From:
"Roger Vaughn"
Date: 2002-07-15 20:44:57 UTC
Subject: Broken Canine
To: <ferrethealth@smartgroups.com>
Message-ID: <2793.192.168.132.34.1026765897.squirrel@webmail.seaconinc.com>
I just brought Sniffles home from the dentist where he had a root canal
done on his upper canine. The dentist smoothed over the tooth and
built up the tip a little with composites. I had thought he would be
able to rebuild the entire tooth, but he explained to me that the
composites are not strong enough and the tip would be easy to break if
we did this.
I learned a couple of things. The inside end of the root seals over
sometime between 6-9 months of age. Until this happens, they cannot do
a root canal and must extract the tooth instead. Also, this doctor
believes that in ferrets, root canals are even easier than extractions
because the root is so straight and simple.
So now Sniffles has one long normal tooth and one short one. By far
the biggest trouble we have had with it was the week of waiting before
the appointment. During that time the sharp edge of the tooth and the
interference of the lower canine split his lip in two over the tooth.
We will have to see how well that heals up now.
The root canal was more expensive than an extraction, but based on how
simple this one was, I would have to recommend it if circumstances
allow and you can find a good dental vet to do it.
Roger & the Fibonacci Ferts