DENTISTRY
Figure 7B. The tooth pictured in Figure 7A restored with light-cured composite before metallic crown preparation.
Figure 6A. A left maxillary third incisor and canine affected by enamel
hypoplasia. Note the deciduous canine is not affected.
Figure 7C. Extensive generalised enamel hypoplasia.
Figure 6B. The left mandibular second and third incisors and canine
affected by enamel hypoplasia.
sensitivity to heat, cold and pressure, especially in
younger animals. The goal of treatment is to seal
the dentin tubules responsible for sensitivity with a
dental bonding agent, smooth down the dental ridges that accumulate plaque and tartar with a white
stone bur on a water-cooled high-speed handpiece,
and restore the tooth with composite restoration.
Unfortunately the composite restoration rarely lasts
because of shearing forces. Repeated application of
dental boding agents every six months until the dog
is 2 years old allows for more dentin formation and
increases the distance between outside influences
and the pulp, decreasing sensitivity. Placing metallic crowns to protect larger teeth generally creates
Figure 7A. A left mandibular first molar affected by enamel
hypoplasia.
long-term pain-free solutions. Metallic crown restoration should be considered when treating the eight larger teeth, including the canines, upper fourth premolars
and lower first molars. Extraction of the affected teeth
is usually not indicated as long as there is no evidence
of endodontic disease (Figures 7A-7E).
Figures 7D and 7E. Metallic crowns protecting the maxillary and
mandibular canines, upper fourth premolars and lower first molars of the patient pictured in Figure 7C.
Issue 06 | DECEMBER 2016 | 9