March 2008: Mimi

“Mimi” is a 7 year old, spayed, female Vizsla, with crown fractures of  both maxillary 4th premolars, teeth # 108 and 208. An estimate was given for extraction of both teeth. It was recommended to radiograph her entire dentition but the owners opted to do radiographs as needed. During the anesthetized oral exam, it was observed that there were several discolored teeth. When the first radiograph was taken, it was obvious that these teeth had been damaged several years ago due to the enlarged size of the pulp canals. The second radiograph verified the same. With the owner’s permission, the rest of “Mimi’s” teeth were x-rayed. Eight teeth showed these enlarged canals verifying that pulpal death had occurred. This changed the extent of the procedure drastically and with the owner’s approval these teeth along with 108 and 208 would be surgically extracted.

Regional blocks were performed and full thickness mucoperiosteal flaps were created. As needed, the teeth were cut and sectioned in order to remove each part as a single extraction. Alveoloplasty (smoothing and contouring the bony structure) was performed before closure and all flaps were closed with 4.0 Monocryl suture in a simple interrupted pattern.

Until an animal has been placed under general anesthesia, examined and radiographed, it is very difficult to fully assess the extent of damage to the teeth or pathology present that is hidden beneath the gumline. In “Mimi’s” case, the damaged teeth were discovered and removed, giving her back a healthier, more comfortable dentition.

Radiograph #1 shows the extent of the fracture of tooth 108

Radiograph #2 is an example of the enlarged canals found in multiple teeth, this is tooth #206

The photograph shows fractured tooth 108 with the probe buried deep into the exposed site