Pulpitis in Dogs

A dog’s tooth, like our teeth, contains a core of living tissue. When this tissue, referred to as the pulp of the tooth, becomes damaged it can eventually decay and can get infected. This typically causes discoloration in the affected tooth and may also cause oral pain.

In a few cases, the pulp inside the tooth is damaged but not dead, and the tooth can be saved, however, the large majority of canine cases require either a root canal or extraction of the affected tooth.

Pulpitis refers to the damage or death of the living tissue in the core of the teeth, also known as the pulp. This condition should be evaluated by a veterinary professional.

The most obvious symptom of pulpitis is the discoloration of the tooth as bleeding inside the tooth may cause the tooth appear pink, black, purple, or gray. Although people with pulpitis report that it is a painful condition, dogs typically maintain their regular appetite and don’t exhibit any obvious signs of pain from the pulpitis. If the pulp is exposed to the open air, it may cause the animal to hypersalivation and be reluctant to eat, and infections in the pulp may also cause a foul odor to emanate from the mouth. 

• Tooth discoloration
• Loss of appetite
• Bad breath
• Drooling

Types

• Reversible - Reversible pulpitis is a condition in which the pulp inside the tooth is damaged but not dead; pulpitis in dogs is rarely caught when it is reversible as cavities and minor trauma may go unnoticed, but when it is caught early, the tooth may be saved
• Irreversible - When the pulp inside the tooth begins to die the pulpitis is considered irreversible (in the case of irreversible pulpitis, the tooth is no longer viable); this means that either the tooth will require removal or a root canal will need to be done to remove the dead pulp to prevent infection in the tooth

Pulpitis can occur for a number of reasons, but the most common cause in dogs is due to trauma to the tooth, often accompanied by a fracture. The trauma may occur from a blow or from chewing on objects that are too hard. Pulpitis may also be caused by cavities, although this is less common in canines.

Your veterinarian or veterinary dentist will most likely notice the discoloration of the tooth during a routine examination. While in some cases, the veterinarian may choose to wait and see what happens with a discolored tooth, in most cases more information will be needed to assess the health of the tooth. The examining doctor will usually start by inspecting the tooth while shining a strong light through it, a process known as transillumination. A healthy tooth will show an even illumination of the core of the tooth, but the core of a necrotic tooth will block the light completely.

Radiographic imaging will be utilized in order to examine the teeth more closely. Although x-rays may expose fractures in the teeth that are too small to see with the naked eye, and frequently reveal the reabsorption of the root and a widened or narrowed pulp cavity, they also may appear completely normal particularly in the earlier stages of damage.

If the pulpitis is reversible and the tooth is deemed to be salvageable, then a technique known as vital pulp therapy may be utilized to keep the remaining living tissue alive. This procedure is completed by first removing the damaged or infected tissue, then administering a medicated pulp dressing designed to protect the tissue and encourage healthy growth. This treatment is rarely effective in dogs over two years old and is most effective when combined with antibiotic therapy as well.

Irreversible pulpitis is typically handled with either a root canal treatment or the extraction of the tooth itself. Teeth that are treated with a root canal are frequently capped with a full coverage crown although in some situations the tooth may only require bleaching for cosmetic purposes. Surgical extraction may be recommended in some situations, however, it can lead to complications and often requires a lengthy recovery period, particularly when removing the larger premolars.

Dogs that undergo anesthesia for surgical procedures may be confused and disoriented when they return home and may experience coordination difficulties. A calm and quiet environment will help to speed the animal's recovery, and fresh water should be kept within easy reach. Dogs that have a root canal will be able to return to their normal eating habits fairly rapidly, but dogs whose teeth are removed may require a diet of commercial wet dog food, dry food moistened with broth, or unseasoned human grade food such as chicken is recommended to facilitate eating. A follow-up visit for new radiographs will typically be completed around six months later to ensure that the dog is healing properly.