Root Canal Therapy for Cats

How do cats fracture teeth?

Cats fracture teeth most often as a result of falls or jumping down from elevated locations to hard surfaces (counter tops or floors).  The upper canine teeth are most likely to become fractured in cats. Dogs fracture teeth most often from facial trauma or from chewing hard objects.  The most common fractured tooth in dogs is the upper fourth premolar.

Can fractured teeth be saved?

Fractured teeth as a result of trauma can often be saved.  Root canal therapy is the best option for saving fractured teeth.

What is root canal therapy?

Root canal therapy is an endodontic procedure.  It is the treatment the internal aspect of the tooth called the root canal.

Root canal therapy of the left upper canine tooth in a cat!



This left upper canine tooth had been
fractured for approximately two years.
The owners recently noticed behavioral
changes.  This tooth is ankylosed and
very difficult to remove.



Root canal therapy was a logical treatment
option.  A less invasive procedure and
easier for the cat!  An initial endodontic
file is used to evaluate the root canal.



Endodontic files are used to remove
infected pulp.  Irrigants are used to cleanse
and to disinfect the root canal system.



The root canal therapy involves filling
the decontaminated root canal system
using materials that are not conducive
to bacterial infection.  Notice the tooth
is restored to keep bacteria out of the
root canal system!

Root Canal Therapy

Cat Dental Care

Home