Endodontics

 

STOP extracting teeth when you can save them:

 

Endodontics is the branch of dentistry dealing with the cause, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases inside of the tooth. Root canal therapy and vital pulp therapy are common endodontic treatments. Both have the same goal: to save the tooth from being extracted and return it to its former form and function. Medical history, oral exam, and dental x-rays are required to determine which therapy is best.

 

Root canal therapy has long been the gold standard of care when treating fractured, discolored, or abscessed teeth when dental radiographs and medical history prove the tooth is a candidate for this type of therapy. Root canal therapy should be offered to any patient who meets the criteria for this level of care. When root canal therapy is performed, the infected tissue inside of the tooth is removed, sterilized, and sealed with gutta percha to prevent further infection. The benefit is that the patient will keep its tooth and continue to use it for chewing, holding food, and playing. When given the choice and well educated, a greatly increasing number of pet owners elect endodontic therapy to save their pets' teeth as opposed to removing them.

 

Vital pulp therapy is performed under certain circumstances and differs from root canal therapy in that only a section of the inside of the tooth is removed, sealed, and allowed to heal. Both therapies involve follow-up visits to ensure proper healing.

 

Many veterinarians do not offer to save teeth by performing endodontic treatment because it has not been available in the majority of veterinary hospitals. If a diseased tooth is a candidate for endodontic treatment, it is necessary to offer this level of care to the pet owner before recommending to remove the tooth.

 

Dr. Klarsfeld is available for consultation to help you determine if endodontic treatment is indicated and readily accepts calls and e-mails from veterinarians and pet owners at (954) 471-4202 and mobiledentalvet@gmail.com.