Removing complex teeth safely and with minimal impact.
The teeth of dogs and cats can undergo damage throughout their lives, and restorative dentistry offers a means to repair and preserve their dental health. While humans commonly associate this with the use of fillings to address cavities, dogs (though not cats) rarely require such interventions for cavity-related issues. Instead, restorations in veterinary patients often involve procedures such as crowns, veneers and inlays, which are also common in human dentistry but are not as frequently performed in animals.
Common Reasons for Restorative Dentistry
Repairing Enamel Hypoplasia Deficits: Enamel hypoplasia, marked by inadequate or thinned enamel, can be managed with restorative dentistry. Techniques such as dental bonding or composite veneers can rebuild the protective layer and restore the tooth’s function and appearance.
Restoring Dental Structure After Root Canal Therapy: After a root canal procedure, restorative dentistry plays a crucial role in repairing and reinforcing the tooth. Restorative methods, including crowns or fillings, restore the tooth’s structure and strength, ensuring its durability and proper function.
Materials, procedure & outcome
Similar to human dentistry, veterinary dentists use comparable materials to achieve optimal results for pets.
For example, white fillings commonly used in human dentistry are also applied in veterinary restorative procedures. These treatments provide lasting effects, although dogs, in particular, may experience more wear and tear on their teeth.
Preparation of Damaged Areas: Damaged areas of the teeth are meticulously prepared to ensure a proper foundation for restoration.
Placement of Restorations: Following preparation, restorations or fillings are placed using techniques similar to those in human dentistry. The completed restoration should make the tooth look normal, effectively concealing the damaged area.
Crown placement in animals
Crown placement is less common in veterinary dentistry. Although we receive frequent inquiries about crowns, the procedure is not always suitable for animal patients. The process involves several intricate steps, including crown preparation, which permanently alters the tooth to ensure a proper fit for the new crown. Impressions are taken to create a mould, from which the crown is crafted.
Typically, animal crowns are made of alloy rather than porcelain fused to metal or zirconia. This choice is due to the need for crowns to withstand the unique challenges presented by the shape and behaviour of animal teeth. Restorative dentistry in dogs and cats focuses on maintaining optimal oral health, with procedures tailored to the specific needs and behaviours of our animal companions.
