"A root canal for my pet?" Why in the world would I consider that?

      Teeth are hollow, and the cavity inside the tooth is called the root canal system. This cavity contains the normal nerves, blood vessels, and other tissues that support and nourish the tooth. When this tissue inside the tooth becomes exposed by a fracture or dies secondary to trauma, the inside of the tooth becomes a reservoir of infection and damaging substances that the body cannot clear on its own. The contents of the canal leak out the tip of the root over time, creating problems around the end of the root. In many cases the tooth will eventually fall out, but the process is long, uncomfortable, and can damage adjacent teeth.
      In the not too distant past, the only treatment available for teeth that were dead or infected was extraction. Extraction of teeth typically involves gum flaps, sutures and removal of bone to allow complete extraction of the tooth. This involves some discomfort for the patient and causes complete loss of function associated with that specific tooth.

     Root canal treatment involves little or no discomfort and maintains the function of the dentition. Root canal treatment involves drilling a small hole into the tooth so that the inside of the tooth can be cleaned, sterilized, and then filled with an inert filling material. This takes away any space inside the tooth for accumulation of bacteria and toxic substances, while keeping the tooth intact. The small hole is then filled with an appropriate restorative material.
       While we do not recommend root canal treatment for all dead or broken teeth, at times root canal treatment is preferred to extraction. Certain teeth are more important for chewing function, such as the large back premolars and molars. These are large multi-rooted teeth whose roots extend deep into the bone. Saving these teeth can help maintain chewing function and avoid a painful surgical extraction.
      The canine teeth (fangs) have long roots that are actually bigger than the part of the tooth that can be seen above the gum line. The fangs are particularly important to maintain for working dogs and hunting dogs. Extraction of these teeth can weaken the jaw or expose the nasal passages and requires removal of large amounts of bone. Maintaining these teeth is much less traumatic for the patient.
      Some show dogs are checked to make sure that they have the correct number of teeth. If they have a tooth extracted, it can end their show career. It is acceptable for them to have a broken tooth treated rather than extracted.
In summary, root canal treatment is more comfortable for the patient and can save teeth that would otherwise be lost. It should particularly be considered in the case of important chewing teeth, or in teeth whose extraction would involve removal of large amounts of bone.

Fractured lower canine tooth with nerve exposed.	Final picture after treatment.
	Post-operative film, showing the canal and access site now filled.

Fractured right upper fourth premolar. -- This tooth was very painful with exposed nerve tissue.	Appearance after treatment. Restorations are visible (arrows) and the fracture lines have all been smoothed.
	Final radiograph, showing good filling of all three root canals in this tooth.