Root Canal vs. Extraction

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

About six months ago, Wally broke one of his large upper molars by chewing on an antler. An x-ray at the time revealed that he had not exposed the pulp of the tooth and it wasn't broken beneath the gum line. This being the case, we were told to watch it. Now, six months later and a followup visit with his regular vet, it's clear that he needs to have it pulled or have a root canal. Wally has an appointment to see a canine dentist early on Monday morning, and then afterwards, he will be admitted for whichever surgery is recommended. It is possible, though, that we may need to make a choice between the two procedures. This is where I need your help. What have your experiences been with either surgery, particularly one involving a large molar? Thanks.

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

You know, after limiting Wally and Charlotte's entertainment items to plush toys, rubber (USA made) toys into which I tuck treats, and balls, I have got to say that they do not miss the harder chew options. After he broke that molar back in June, I removed all bones, bully sticks, and even Himalayan chews from their repertoire.  As a result, I have saved a small fortune -- which is a good thing, since this surgery is going to be costly, if our insurance company doesn't step up and provide coverage.  

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

I chose a root canal for my shepherd. She was about 5 when I got her from the SPCA and the first thing I had to do was look after her teeth. She had a broken canine. She lived until age 17 and her tooth was still in pretty good shape. Lost her 3 years ago. She was a great dog.

[Gail and Bailey]

Poor Wally! :>(  Hope all goes well!   (I just threw out all antlers and bones!)

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

I'm sorry to hear this.  Please keep us posted.  Finn has never liked antlers but he does love a good bone from time to time.  You've convinced me to rethink this.  I wish sweet Wally a quick recovery.

[Amy M. and Molly]

I can't speak from experience about oral surgery for a dog, but I am a practicing dentist and will give you my two cents worth about root canals and extractions in general. I think the age and health of your pup would be a determining factor. While all of us in the dental field want to save teeth if possible (and a root canal would do this), you have to remember that they are not always 100% successful. If the root canal should fail, then the tooth will eventually require extraction anyway. If your dog is young, and it is the vet's opinion that chewing function would be significantly impaired if the tooth was extracted, then the root canal would be a good choice. It will remove the nerve and blood supply, which would take care of any infection, but afterward the tooth will be brittle and subject to fracture more easily. (That is why we always recommend to our (human) patients to have a crown placed on a tooth after a root canal is done.) If the root canal fails and the tooth eventually requires extraction, the surgery becomes even more difficult because of the brittleness. So you have to be prepared for a possible future extraction, even if the root canal is is done. I've been practicing 30 years and am all about saving teeth, but I'm not sure I'd have my dog undergo a root canal knowing that there was a chance of the tooth being lost eventually anyway.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Interesting.  I've been this patient; the one who fails with root canals and even crowns.   Makes sense.

Now I want to know if you have ever given your dog a tough object to satisfy his chewing urge?  :)

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

Thanks for your insight, Amy. I had my first (and hopefully last) root canal this past summer, and learned more than I ever wanted to know about root canals in humans. As I understand it, the benefits and risks are similar in dogs. I am going to wait to hear what the canine dentist says about Wally's individual case. It's very likely that there will not be an option, but I do want to be as educated as possible beforehand, in the event that we need to make a decision. 

[Oliver & Elizabeth]

Oliver has never had any dental issues but my parents' corgi cracked a tooth chewing on a bone about ten years ago. My parents went to a canine dentist and he recommended a root canal because it was a large molar used for chewing. They went forward with the root canal. Their corgi lived another five years with the successfully repaired tooth, but without hard bones and antlers :). They've always said that they would do it again and believe they made the right decision, even though it was more expensive and time consuming.

Good luck with Wally, I hope he feels better soon!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Despite the fact that my dogs loved bones and antlers I stopped giving them to the dogs a long while back, having read about this issue. I do still let them chew on sticks, I doubt I could stop them. I think sticks are much softer and they spit out the pieces.

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

Wally is at the vet now, having the bile acid test done. The results will show wether or not his liver enzymes are within the safe range for him to undergo anesthesia on Monday morning.  If not, the oral surgery will need to be delayed.

Since the test needs to be done on a fast, he was very confused last night when he didn't get his bedtime snack, and then again, this morning, when breakfast was withheld.  Poor guy :o(

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I hope the test results are good.

Poor Wally, JD knows by now that no breakfast equals a bad day for doodles, so we know how he feels. :(

[Gail and Bailey]

Poor, poor Wally!  Nothing worse than having to fast!