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Endodontics
When your pet has a complex dental problem or needs oral surgery, a board-certified veterinary dentist™ or oral surgeon may be required. At East Tennessee Veterinary Dentistry, we specialize in these advanced treatments, including one of the most important: root canal therapy.
Why Root Canals for Pets?
One of the most common dental injuries we treat is a tooth fracture. When a tooth breaks, it exposes the sensitive inner layers, which can cause pain and lead to infection. Treatment options are typically either:
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Extraction – removing the tooth if it’s not essential for chewing or long-term function.
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Root Canal Therapy – saving the tooth when it’s important for your pet’s overall comfort and quality of life.
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While extraction may be appropriate for some teeth, many teeth—such as the canine teeth (fangs), large premolars, and molars—are considered “strategic teeth.” These teeth play a key role in chewing, eating, and protecting the tongue and lips. Whenever possible, preserving them with root canal therapy is better for your pet’s long-term health.
Understand Your Pet's Tooth
A pet’s tooth is made up of three layers
What is Root Canal Therapy?
Endodontics is the branch of dentistry that treats the inside of the tooth—the pulp chamber and root canal. A root canal involves removing diseased or dead pulp tissue, disinfecting the canal, and sealing it to prevent further infection. A protective crown may also be recommended to strengthen the tooth and prevent re-injury.
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Root canal therapy allows the tooth to remain in the mouth, maintaining your pet’s ability to chew, play, and live comfortably—without pain.
When is a Root Canal Needed?
Why Saving Teeth Matters
Our pets rely on their teeth for far more than eating—they use them to play, pick up toys, and interact with the world. Saving important teeth through root canal therapy is almost always the best option when possible. It keeps your pet comfortable, functional, and pain-free.
Compassionate Specialty Care
At East Tennessee Veterinary Dentistry, Dr. Burton and our team are proud to provide advanced endodontic care for pets. Using state-of-the-art imaging and specialized training, we carefully evaluate each case and recommend the best treatment for your pet’s long-term health and comfort.
If your pet has a broken, discolored, or painful tooth, don’t wait—prompt treatment can mean the difference between losing the tooth and saving it.