Observations Regarding Dental Composite Restorations for Tooth Repair in Dogs

Abstract

The most common form of tooth repair in human dentistry is filling cavities. Carious decayis uncommon in dogs and almost nonexistent in cats. When found in dogs, cavities are treated bydental restorations(fillings) just as for people.Carious lesions are most frequently identified on theocclusal surfaces of molar teeth in dogs. Dental cavities are often present on both sides and in somedogs they are on the upper and lower dental arches. Early lesions are diagnosed by observation andinvestigation of discolored areas of teeth. Soft enamel may be detected using an explorer probe.These lesions progress into the dentin. The dentin is demineralized by the decay process. Dentalradiographs confirm the presence and the extent of these lesions(Duncan ,2010). The earlier theselesions are diagnosed the greater is ability to save rather than extract these teeth. Early cavitiesinvolve damage to tooth enamel and dentin. Longer term tooth decay results in pulp inflammation,infection. Theese teeth must be treated by root canal therapy or by dental extraction. Carious lesionsmay be restored by performing cavity preparation and the placement composite restorations(fillings). Restorations are performed using a composite resin, which is supplied in a soft, moldableform. After rebuilding a tooth the composite bonds to the tooth and becomes nearly as hard as anormal tooth by exposure to an ultrabright light, called a curing light.