Shadow was referred urgently to our new dentistry service by her primary care vet after she fell whilst running and suffered a diagonal fracture to her right upper canine, exposing the sensitive pulp inside.
Dentistry consultation
At Shadow’s consultation, Dental, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Hannah van Velzen examined her teeth and discussed the treatment options available. The exposed pulp couldn’t be left as it would definitely become necrotic, so the options were either extraction of the fractured tooth or root canal treatment. Given Shadow’s young age and the importance of canine teeth, her family opted to preserve her tooth and have a root canal performed. In addition, they opted to have a prosthodontic crown made to help prevent further chipping or repeat fracture in the future.
Later that day, she was placed under general anaesthetic and Hannah conducted a detailed oral examination as well as taking a series of x-ray images, which confirmed that root canal would be an appropriate treatment for Shadow.
Hannah completed the root canal treatment and then took dental impressions for manufacturing of a full jacket metal prosthodontic crown, which is done by an external lab.
Ready for her crown
Two weeks later, Shadow returned to our practice ready to have her crown fitted.
Under a very short and light anaesthetic, Hannah first checked the crown was a perfect fit and then cemented it onto Shadow’s tooth. Shadow recovered well from the procedure and was ready to be reunited with her family shortly after. Her new crown not only looks shiny, but will help keep the remaining bit of her canine tooth strong!
Thank you to Waterlooville Vets4Pets for your referral and to Shadow’s mum and dad for entrusting us with her care.
Services used in this story
Fitzpatrick Referrals is dedicated to the prevention and treatment of orthopaedic and neurological diseases in small animals.
