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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Root canal treatment success rates in dogs from 2001 to 2018

By Lee, Da Bin et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2022·William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, United States·View original on PubMed

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Original publication title: Radiographic outcome of root canal treatment in dogs: 281 teeth in 204 dogs (2001-2018).

Species:
dog

Plain-English summary

A group of 204 dogs underwent root canal treatment (RCT) for dental issues, with 281 teeth being treated over a span of 17 years. After follow-up appointments, 71% of the treated teeth showed successful healing, while 25% had no evidence of failure, and only 4% failed. The success rate remained stable despite advancements in dental materials and techniques. This means that root canal treatments continue to be a reliable option for dogs with dental problems, helping many pets keep their teeth and avoid further complications.

People also search for: dog root canal treatment success rate · dog dental problems · signs of tooth infection in dogs

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the radiographic outcome of root canal treatment (RCT) in dogs and compare outcomes with those reported for a previous study performed at the same institution in 2002. ANIMALS: 204 dogs representing 281 teeth that underwent RCT. PROCEDURES: The medical record database of a veterinary teaching hospital was searched to identify dogs that underwent RCT between 2001 and 2018. Only dogs that had undergone at least 1 radiographic recheck appointment a minimum of 50 days after RCT were included in the study. Dental radiographs were reviewed. Treatment was considered successful if the periapical periodontal ligament space was within reference limits and preexisting external inflammatory root resorption (EIRR), if present, had stabilized. Treatment was considered to show no evidence of failure (NEF) if preoperative EIRR had stabilized and any preoperative periapical lucency (PAL) remained the same or had decreased in size but had not completely resolved. Treatment was considered to have failed if EIRR or a PAL developed after RCT, if a preoperative PAL increased in size, or if preexisting EIRR progressed. RESULTS: Follow-up time ranged from 52 to 3,245 days (mean, 437 days). RCT was classified as successful for 199 (71%) teeth, NEF for 71 (25%) teeth, and failed for 11 (4%) teeth. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results showed that almost 2 decades after RCT outcome in dogs was first evaluated, during which time numerous advances in dental materials and techniques had been made, the success rate of RCT was virtually unchanged.

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Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34986112/