The Animal Dental Clinic performs vital pulpotomies for young pets who have freshly fractured teeth with pulp exposure.  This procedure, recommended for pets between 6-16 months old, is an ideal option for saving vital or live teeth.  Because a vital pulpotomy is only a partial pulpectomy, the pet is young, and the tooth is still vital, this procedure allows for the tooth to continue to develop and strengthen. This differs from root canal therapy which involves a complete plulpectomy, and therefore causes the tooth to die and inhibits further growth. 

              

Young dog w/ large pulp canals   Older dog w/ small pulp canals



As with all fractures, it is crucial that the tooth be examined by a veternarian as soon as it is noticed.  Again, freshly fractured teeth are very painful and therefore require pain medication.  Dr. Battig recommends non-steroidal anti-inflammatories to minimize discomfort, and also recommends that your pet be started on antibiotics as soon as you decide that a vital pulpotomy is the best option for your pet.