Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

THIS IS LONG BUT PLEASE READ!

My dog has chipped 3 of her teeth and I'm having trouble making a decision on what to do. The teeth that are chipped are of course her most important ones; her upper molar, and her upper and bottom canines (all on the left side). I took her to a vet that practices canine dentistry, and he told me I have 2 options. The upper molar has to be removed no matter what because it is to far gone, but the 2 canines I have to make a choice on. I can either have those removed too, or have a root canal done on both and have crowns put on. Now, my dog is a pit mix and uses her teeth alot. She loves to chew on hard toys, bones and fetch sticks...etc. I don't want her quality of life to be affected by this. She's only 2 1/2 so I don't want to remove all 3 of those teeth, but I'm concerned that with the crowns on, I may have to restrict her from doing much anyway, in fear they'd fall off. Plus there's always the chance they will get infected later on down the road. If anyone has experience with canine root canals, please let me know. I have to make a decision soon and I want it to be the right one for my dog. Thank you!

-Harley & Fara

I'm sorry, I don't have any experience with this. I hope someone has some information to share with you. Good luck... poor pup.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles

Hello Harley and Fara,

I stumbled onto your post today 6/14 while googling on canine root canals. I have a dog currently getting two done by a specialist. She also did one on a previous dog. You may have already made a decision but if not, I would go with the two crowns. You might also ask the vet what he/she would do if Harley belonged to them. As far as quality of life and chewing, you may need to change some of what Harley is allowed to chew on regardless of whether you choose (or have chosen) extraction versus root canal and crown. My dental vet has suggested carrots are safe to gnaw on and eat. Also flexible Nylabones. It must say flexible on the packaging and you will be able to easily flex/bend youself. Dog.com is a good source for buying discounted quantities of Nylabones. (e.g. save when you buy more than one. The followig websites are worth checking out for dental information : www.dentalvet.com,www.animaldentalcenter.com and www.wellpets.com. I hope this helps a bit.

Hello!
My Grizzly had 2 root canals done on his molars. As you said it is too late for her molar, but I wanted to let you know, his root canal only lasted 2 years. He cracked the crowns and had to have them pulled anyway. I regret having him put under twice for the same teeth... but Grizzly was also quite a bit older than your girl, though probably not as hard on his teeth.

If she is healthy enough, and you can afford it, I would have the root canal done. but consider not letting her chew on any real bones or hoofs. it will waste your money and her time.

>>Hi,
>>
>>THIS IS LONG BUT PLEASE READ!
>>
>>My dog has chipped 3 of her teeth and I'm having trouble making a decision on what to do. The teeth that are chipped are of course her most important ones; her upper molar, and her upper and bottom canines (all on the left side). I took her to a vet that practices canine dentistry, and he told me I have 2 options. The upper molar has to be removed no matter what because it is to far gone, but the 2 canines I have to make a choice on. I can either have those removed too, or have a root canal done on both and have crowns put on. Now, my dog is a pit mix and uses her teeth alot. She loves to chew on hard toys, bones and fetch sticks...etc. I don't want her quality of life to be affected by this. She's only 2 1/2 so I don't want to remove all 3 of those teeth, but I'm concerned that with the crowns on, I may have to restrict her from doing much anyway, in fear they'd fall off. Plus there's always the chance they will get infected later on down the road. If anyone has experience with canine root canals, please let me know. I have to make a decision soon and I want it to be the right one for my dog. Thank you!
>>
>>-Harley & Fara
>>