In people, dental crowns are used to shore up teeth where the sensitive core tissue—or pulp—has been exposed. Similar teeth are usually extracted in animals. But once in a while, a crown is just what the veterinarian ordered.
The most common reason crowns are pressed into action is traumatic fracture of a tooth. They’re used most often in police, military or security dogs—that is, pooches that need fully functional teeth to do their jobs.
Crown placement requires two anesthetic procedures. The first involves a root canal to remove damaged pulp, and making molds of the affected tooth. The second is to cement the crown in place.
Advanced dental procedures are best done by board-certified veterinary dentists who’ve been well trained in the techniques. Your veterinarian can fill you in on the details.