Veterinary Dentistry Q&A 06

This question was provided by Manson Publishing as part of the OVAL Project. See more Veterinary Dentistry Q&A.

This patient was presented for a fractured tooth.

Question	Answer		Article
What are the considerations when assessing this fracture?	This fracture extends below the gingival margin; it is therefore called a crown–root fracture. There has been some compromise of the attachment of the attached gingiva. This type of fracture can be treated; however, follow-up maintenance of oral hygiene is very important.		Link to Article
What type of restoration may be used?	After endodontic treatment has been performed, options for treatment include restoration of access and fracture sites or full-crown restoration. Restoration of the access and fracture sites provides primarily an economic advantage to the client. With good home care, simply closing the fracture and access sites with a light-cure composite resin may be sufficient. Periodontal surgery may be indicated to improve the gingival contour. It is much less expensive to place a composite resin restoration than it is to place a full crown. In addition, full-crown restoration requires a second anesthetic episode to place the crown. The advantage of a full-crown restoration is two-fold. First, the full crown allows greater protection for the tooth against further trauma. The tooth was weakened in the initial fracture occurrence, and may be further weakened in the therapy. The full crown will help to protect the tooth’s integrity. Secondly, the full crown allows better restoration of the anatomy of the tooth. This can help to prevent further periodontal problems caused by food entrapment into a periodontal pocket that may be created by the loss of attached gingiva.		Link to Article