Pet Endodontics in Beaverton, OR
A broken or discolored tooth isn’t just a cosmetic issue — it’s often a painful, infected tooth. At Premier Pet Dentistry, our endodontics service offers root canal therapy and vital pulp treatment for dogs and cats, allowing us to save important teeth and eliminate pain rather than extracting them.
Understanding the Endodontic System
A pet’s endodontic system is the hollow area inside each tooth, filled with sensitive pulp tissue made of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. Healthy pulp allows the tooth to grow, mature, and respond to stress.
Endodontic disease describes damage to the dental pulp. Depending on severity, it may be reversible or irreversible. It is often caused by trauma — including minor trauma that doesn’t immediately kill the tooth. With irreversible pulpitis, the tissues swell and cut off blood supply within the root canal, causing the tooth to die and the inside of the tooth to become infected. Fractured teeth that expose the pulp chamber lead to the same result.
How We Evaluate a Damaged Tooth
The first step is a dental radiograph, which allows us to evaluate the bone and confirm the root is intact. From there, we can treat the fractured or discolored tooth and recommend the most appropriate option for your pet’s comfort and function.
Endodontic Treatment Options
- Root canal therapy: We remove diseased pulp tissue, clean and disinfect the root canal, and fill it with an inert material that prevents future bacterial contamination.
- Vital pulpotomy: For very recent fractures in young pets, partial pulp treatment can keep the tooth alive so it continues to mature.
- Crown protection: Treated teeth in working, sporting, or heavy-chewing dogs may benefit from a custom metal crown through our restoratives and prosthodontics service.
Endodontic care is also used to manage bite problems from malocclusion by shortening teeth while protecting the pulp, and to restore teeth damaged in jaw injuries.
Gentle Care With the Latest Technology
Our practice stays up to date with the latest equipment to make root canal therapy possible for your pet. Dr. Rebecca Martin keeps you informed at every step and treats your pet gently. Our entire staff are animal lovers who will care for your pet with the love they deserve. Explore our dental services, periodontics, oral surgery, or our FAQs.
Pet Endodontics FAQs
Can dogs and cats really get root canals?
Yes. Root canal therapy is a well-established treatment for pets and can save painful, fractured, or discolored teeth.
Is a root canal better than extraction?
For important functional teeth such as the canines and large chewing teeth, a root canal is often less invasive than surgical extraction and preserves function. Dr. Martin will discuss which option fits your pet.
What does a discolored tooth mean?
A pink, purple, or gray tooth usually means the pulp is inflamed or has died, often from trauma. Treatment is recommended even if your pet seems comfortable.
How do you know if the root is healthy?
Dental radiographs let us evaluate the bone and confirm the root is intact before recommending endodontic treatment.
Will my pet need a crown after a root canal?
Some pets benefit from a custom metal crown, especially working dogs and strong chewers, to protect the treated tooth from future fracture.
Will my pet need follow-up x-rays?
Yes. Follow-up radiographs are recommended to confirm the root canal treatment remains successful.
Save Your Pet’s Damaged Tooth
If you have any questions about endodontics or would like to schedule an appointment, contact Premier Pet Dentistry today at 503-PREMIER ((503) 773-6437).