Tooth Fracture Evaluation and Endodontic Treatment in Dogs

Capík I . , V. Ledeck ̆, A. ·evãík: Tooth Fracture Evaluation and Endodontic Treatment in Dogs. Acta Vet. Brno 2000, 69: 115–122. Tooth fractures constitute a considerable fraction of all tooth diseaes. Out of 5370 dogs treated during four years, 492 (9%) patients were treated for dental problems. Out of this number, 139 (28.3%) dogs were treated for tooth fractures. The most frequently affected teeth were canines, 54 cases (38.8%) succeeded by 46 premolar teeth (33.1%), 36 incisors (25.9%) and 3 molars (2.2%). From among the patients with canine and incisor fractures, 61 (67.7%) were large breed dogs. Frontal teeth fractures occurred during training, guard and police work or in play. On the other hand, the premolar fractures (especially 108, 208) were divided evenly among large and medium (small) breeds. The results of nonsurgical endodontic treatment showed 100% success with incisors and canines. Periapical lesions were seen infrequently in the above-mentioned teeth. Out of 24 endodonticaly treated incisors and canines with necrotic pulp the periapical lesions were present only in 3 cases (12.5%). Fractures of upper fourth premolars were divided evenly among large (15 dogs with 18 fractures), medium (small) breeds (21 dogs with 23 fractures). Higher incidence of crown damage (fracture line reaching subgingival tooth portion) was observed in large breed dogs (82.3%) as compared to medium and small breeds (37.5%). X-ray examinations showed a high number of periapical lesions (37 90.2%). The distal root alone was involved in 20 teeth (48.8%). Radiolucencies in distal and mesial regions were observed in 11 teeth (26.8%). The mesial region was involved in 6 teeth (14.6%). All patients without local complications (swelling, fistula) were treated successfully (100%). Out of 12 cases accompanied with local complications (4 swellings, 8 fistulas) failure was recorded in 4 cases (33.3%). The fistulas were closed within one week. Despite a considerable incidence of root lesion the results of standard endodontic treatment were good. Standard root canal therapy, performed repeatedly following a relapse, yielded mostly good therapeutic results. Fistula, swelling, age, breeds, periapical lesions Tooth fractures occurring predominantly as crown and cup fractures, or buccolingual (palatolingual) slab fractures, are common diagnosis in veterinary dentistry. According to Eisenmenger and Zetner (1985), and Harvey and Emily (1993), the prevalence of tooth fractures is influenced by two factors: anatomical position and the height of the tooth the use and activity of dogs The diagnosis of endodontic lesions in veterinary dentistry is complicated by the lack of diagnostic procedures based on subjective symptoms of pain, sensitivity to hot, cold, or percussion, and foul taste or odour. Holmberg (1979) described pain symptoms in dogs such as salivation, holding head aside, and pawing, especially after eating. Schmeltzer et al. (1980) did not observe any clinical signs of pain with pulp-affected tooth fractures. The majority of tooth fractures are accompanied by open pulp cavity and other associated complications. The inflammatory process, progressing via apical delta, results in periapical inflammation. Franceschini (1974) and Neuman (1988) consider the fourth maxillary ACTA VET. BRNO 2000, 69: 115–122 Address for correspondence: MVDr. Igor Capík, PhD. Department of Surgery University of Veterinary Medicine Komenského 73, 041 81 Ko‰ice, Slovak Republic Phone: + 421 95 622 9924 Fax: + 421 95 632 3666 E-mail: [email protected] http://www.vfu.cz/acta-vet/actavet.htm