19 Jul Signs Your Dog or Cat May Need a Root Canal
At Missoula Veterinary Dentistry & Oral Surgery, we are experts in dental and oral conditions in cats and dogs. Today, we’ll share several signs your dog or cat may need a root canal and why this treatment may be necessary.
Signs Your Dog or Cat May Need a Root Canal
Persistent Pain or Discomfort
Watch for signs of oral discomfort such as pawing at the mouth, reluctance to eat hard food, or dropping food while eating.
Visible Fracture or Breakage of the Tooth
If you notice a visible fracture or breakage in a tooth, it can expose the pulp (inner part) of the tooth to bacteria, leading to infection. Depending on the type of fracture, many times, we can save this tooth by performing root canal therapy.
Discoloration of the Tooth
A tooth that has turned dark yellow, brown, or gray can sometimes indicate internal damage or infection.
Sport and Working Dogs
Working dogs, like any other dogs, may require a root canal procedure for several reasons as they are often active and may experience accidents or trauma that can result in tooth fractures. Many of these dogs also rely on their teeth to perform tasks effectively. Saving a damaged tooth with a root canal can help maintain their ability to bite, chew, and perform their duties without discomfort.
Why Root Canal Therapy?
When a tooth becomes fractured and exposes the canal of the tooth it can become infected, abscessed or the pulp can die (therefore killing the tooth). The only way to resolve the infection is to remove the root canal system. This can be accomplished via extraction, or root canal therapy. Root canals can be performed on all teeth, but we especially recommend having them performed on teeth such as canines and carnassial (chewing) teeth that are the most used by your pet on a day-to-day basis. Root canal therapy is often the superior choice to extractions.
Veterinary Dentist in Missoula, Montana
If your cat or dog is showing signs that they may need a root canal, don’t delay their treatment. Contact our team today for a consultation so that we can recommend the best treatment for your pet!
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