When dogs chew on hard objects, it often causes damage to their teeth. Tooth fractures and broken teeth are common dental problems, but placement of metal dental crowns can help. Dental crowns can protect your dog’s damaged teeth after trauma or after root canal therapy. Dr. Tony Woodward, Montana’s only board-certified veterinary dentist, is an expert in canine restorative dentistry.
Crowns and Root Canal Therapy
In certain cases, dentists may recommend placing a crown after a root canal treatment. Whether or not a crown is appropriate depends on a number of factors, including the severity of the fracture, the reason for the initial fracture, the temperament of the patient, the ability to prevent the behaviors and/or causes that led to the initial fracture, the specific tooth involved and the future function of the tooth. Root canal therapy is commonly performed on fractured teeth, and a crown can help prevent further trauma to the affected tooth. It is important to note that although crowns can help protect against future fracture and wear, pets can still damage a tooth with a crown.
Which Teeth Most Commonly Receive Crown Therapy?
While it is possible to put a crown on any tooth, the most common locations are the upper and lower canine teeth , the lower first molars and the upper fourth premolars. However, any tooth affected by trauma or infection can be fitted with a crown for protection after treatment.
How Are Canine Dental Crowns Made?
Because the crown protects your dog’s tooth and, in some cases, exposed dental tissue, they are made from materials that can stand up to daily activities like chewing, eating, and play. Metallic crowns made from stainless steel are the most common form of canine dental crowns. Initially, the tooth is prepped to receive the crown, then a detailed impression of the tooth is taken and sent to the lab. The lab then fabricates the crown and returns it to us, usually within two weeks. If all looks good, the crown is cemented during a short anesthetic procedure.
How Long Do Canine Dental Crowns Last?
Most dental crowns will last for a dog’s entire lifetime without showing any signs of wear or trauma. Chewing on hard objects or applying extreme pressure on the dental crown can sometimes cause the entire crown and tooth to snap off.
After Care Procedures
After getting a dental crown, dogs require extra special care. Brush your dog’s teeth daily to combat plaque and tartar buildup, and be sure to keep your dog from chewing on damaging things like antlers, horse hoofs, and, real bones and hard nylon bones.
Canine Dental Crown Therapy in Montana
If your dog has recently suffered dental trauma, be sure to see a veterinary dentist as soon as possible. In many cases, dental crowns can give dogs their pain-free, fun-filled life back. They’ll be able to play, eat, and chew on their favorite (crown-safe) treats without pain. Call us today to schedule an appointment at our Bozeman office.