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==Indications==
==Indications==
Endodontics is indicated when there is, or may be, irreversible [[Pulp and Periapical Disease|pulp pathology]] (e.g. generalized pulpitis or pulp necrosis, often in combination with periapical involvement). Such cases include fractures of the [[Enamel Organ#Crown|crown]] when the pulp is exposed, non-vital teeth, [[Dental Caries|dental caries]] and iatrogenic pulp exposure in cases of crown shortening for [[Dental Malocclusion|malocclusion]] problems. In all of the above cases, extraction may be an option. Although endodontic treatment is often less traumatic and conserves strategically important teeth for both cosmetic and functional purpose it does require referral to a veterinary dental specialist for treatment.
Endodontics is indicated when there is, or may be, irreversible [[Pulp and Periapical Disease|pulp pathology]] (e.g. generalized pulpitis or pulp necrosis, often in combination with periapical involvement). Such cases include fractures of the [[Enamel Organ#Crown|crown]] when the pulp is exposed, non-vital teeth, [[Dental Caries|dental caries]] and iatrogenic pulp exposure in cases of crown shortening for [[Dental Malocclusion|malocclusion]] problems. In all of the above cases, extraction may be an option. Although endodontic treatment is often less traumatic and conserves strategically important teeth for both cosmetic and functional purposes it does require referral to a veterinary dental specialist for treatment.
==Contraindications==
==Contraindications==
Endodontic treatment requires long term [[Intra-Oral Radiography - Small Animal|radiographic monitoring]], therefore a patient who is a high anaesthetic risk may not be a suitable candidate. In some cases, root canal treatment may also involve a longer surgery time, in which case, extraction is the preferable treatment in these patients.
Endodontic treatment requires long term [[Intra-Oral Radiography - Small Animal|radiographic monitoring]], therefore a patient who is a high anaesthetic risk may not be a suitable candidate. In some cases, root canal treatment may also involve a longer surgery time, in which case, extraction is the preferable treatment for these patients.
==Objectives==
==Objectives==
The objectives of conventional root canal therapy are:
The objectives of conventional root canal therapy are:
*To clean and disinfect the pulp chamber and root canal(s).
*To clean and disinfect the pulp chamber and root canal(s).
*To fill the root canal(s) with a nonirritant, antibacterial material, thus sealing the apex.
*To fill the root canal(s) with a non-irritant, antibacterial material, thus sealing the apex.
*To close the access and exposure sites with a suitable restorative material.
*To close the access and exposure sites with a suitable restorative material.
<center><gallery heights=200px caption="Root Canal Therapy" >
<center><gallery heights=200px caption="Root Canal Therapy" >