Root Canal vs. Extraction

[grewelj]

Our 5 year old lab was attacked by another dog at 10 weeks old and her jaw was broken.  The veterinary dentist removed 4 teeth on her lower right side (including the canine) and also did some bone grafts.  All has been well ever since until we went in for a cleaning last week.  Now, she has broken the large tooth on the upper right side of her mouth (sorry, i can't remember what it's called, but the dentist indicated it has 3 roots).  Do you think we should do a root canal and crown or extract it?  We were leaning towards the root canal and crown until we got the $3,300 estimate.  If she's missing other teeth on the bottom, we're concerned that she won't be able to eat/chew properly.  We're going to get a second opinion, but there are so few veterinary dentists it's hard to find another one in our area.  We just want to do what's best for her.  Thank you.

[Margot49]

Well, you are certainly covering all your bases!  Never hurts to get another opinion.  That broken tooth us or can be painful, like with ourselves, if the root is exposed.  You have to remember too that having that done and going to that expense is no guarantee that tooth won't break again.
Good luck and please keep us posted

[grewelj]

Thanks so much for both your comments!  We have an appt. scheduled with the dentist at ISU to get a second opinion -- it's hard to find many veterinary dentists where we live!  I think we'll probably go the extraction route but i just wanted to hear from others -- i just want to make sure we do the right thing or the guilt might overwhelm me.  :)  Thanks again.

[Margot49]

I never had to cross that bridge, but show dogs often have dental work done.  Yep,  ESP if you get a "tooth" judge.  :-).  Lol. Just thought I would throw that in there.

Yes, Karla is right.  I have had dogs teeth extracted over the years from puppies with a potential bite problem to adults.
When I helped with Greyhound Rescue, we often had to have teeth extracted as they can have very bad teeth.  Had to have 2 extracted on my own.  They do fine.  Most of them don't take the time to chew anything. :-).

[Misfits4Me]

I agree with Margot.....I always lean towards extractions & also to prevent future problems......Normally, Root canals & crowns are used only for K-9 working units.....Regular house pets, dogs should not even be offered that ridiculous service!

A dog’s teeth are not really designed for chewing. Unlike human teeth that are flat to facilitate chewing, canine teeth are pointed and actually designed to grab the food or tear the meat to be swallowed whole.  

I've NEVER seen a dog that couldn't eat it's food with teeth missing......Even with NO teeth, they manage.....Let us know what you decide.....Karla

[Margot49]

Personally, one tooth?  I would have it extracted.  I am sure she will do fine, most dogs do with even less  teeth than that.