Goo Yang
Goo presented with swelling of the right mandible and an unerupted tooth, indicating a potential underlying issue that required further investigation.
About Dental Pulp
Root canal therapy is a specialised endodontic treatment for teeth that are no longer vital or alive. When a tooth is damaged, such as by a fracture, the delicate dental pulp inside can become infected or diseased. This procedure removes the damaged pulp and seals the tooth, helping to save it and prevent further issues.
The dental pulp is a network of nerves, blood vessels and soft tissues within the tooth. It extends from the root to the crown, providing sensation, supporting dentine production and maintaining the tooth’s internal strength. As the tooth matures, the root canal gradually narrows. Root canal therapy maintains a non-vital tooth’s function as long as the gums, periodontal ligament and bone are healthy.
The Treatment Process
To restore the health of a tooth, we take the following steps:
- Create an entry point into the tooth through the fracture to remove infected tissue.
- Meticulously clean, shape and dry the canals throughout the procedure.
- Fill the root canal with a material that forms a seal and prevents the re-establishment of infection in the root canal system.
- In the final stage, we apply a restoration or filling to seal the access point and protect pulp from exposure.
- In some cases, we may recommend fitting a crown to safeguard the remaining tooth structure, though this is usually not mandatory.
Considerations & Follow-up
We only recommend root canal therapy when a high likelihood of success exists, as not all teeth are suitable for this treatment. While we can’t guarantee outcomes due to pets’ unpredictable behaviour, the success rate is generally quite high.
Regular follow-up x-rays are crucial for assessing the progression and overall health of the treated tooth. While up to 90% of teeth treated with root canal therapy can last a pet’s lifetime, ongoing monitoring is essential for early detection of potential issues.
This is particularly important since pets cannot effectively communicate discomfort.
