17 Apr Safe Tooth Restorations for Pets: What Every Pet Owner Should Know
Dental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being for pets, yet it often goes overlooked. While many pet owners focus on preventive care such as regular cleanings and dental-friendly diets, there are times when tooth damage occurs and requires restorative treatment or extraction. Understanding the types of tooth restorations that are safe and effective for your pet can help ensure their continued comfort and health.
Why Tooth Restorations Are Necessary for a Pet
Just like humans, pets can suffer from fractured, worn, or decayed teeth. Left untreated, these issues can lead to pain, infection, and even systemic health problems. Restorative procedures can help maintain tooth integrity, prevent further damage, and restore function so pets can eat and play without discomfort.
Types of Safe Tooth Restorations for Your Pet
1. Bonded Sealants
Fractured teeth are a common problem found in dogs and cats. Sometimes these fractures are discovered soon after they occur and can be treated with odontoplasty (smoothing) and sealing with a dental bonding agent, followed by a dental resin. This procedure is somewhat controversial since the benefit may be questionable when a fracture is long-standing.
Regardless of when the fracture occurred, smoothing a large fracture and removing a roughened surface that is more plaque-retentive can be beneficial. All bonded sealant procedures should be preceded by dental imaging, such as dental radiographs or preferably cone beam CT scanning.
2. Metal Crowns
Metal crown treatments are often combined with root canal therapy for fractured teeth in dogs. While cats can have fractured canine (fang) teeth treated with root canal therapy, metal crowns are rarely performed for our feline patients due to the smaller size of their teeth.
The benefit of metal crowns is that a fractured tooth that has been treated with root canal therapy is likely stronger with a crown than without one. Properly prepared metal crowns essentially remove the risk of a tooth being fractured again. While metal crowns are most often fabricated for working (police or military) dogs, they can be performed on any dog.
3. Root Canal Therapy with Restorative Coverage
The final step of a root canal procedure for a fractured or discolored tooth is a composite restoration. When done properly, this provides the final seal of the pulp canal, greatly decreasing the chances of bacterial leakage into it.
What Pet Owners Should Consider
Not all tooth injuries require restoration, and in some cases, extraction may be the best option, particularly when a pet is dealing with advanced periodontal disease. A veterinary dentist can assess the extent of the damage and recommend the most appropriate treatment. Additionally, pet owners should make sure their pets avoid chewing on excessively hard objects, such as bones or antlers, to prevent fractures.
Conclusion
Tooth restorations play a crucial role in maintaining oral health and quality of life for pets. Whether through fillings, crowns, or sealants, these treatments help protect against pain, infection and further damage. If your pet has a dental issue, consulting a veterinarian experienced in dentistry can ensure they receive the best care possible. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (04/17/2025) Photo by Jason Jarrach on Unsplash
