¾ Crown Therapy for Abrasion
Lesions on Canine Teeth

Attrition or abrasive wear can occur for a variety of reasons in our canine patients. Many of these dogs are shelter dogs, are kenneled, or are involved in police and protection work. Others have separation anxiety or exhibit territorial behavior when kenneled.

A change in physical environment or behavioral modification is preferred and may prevent further crown attrition. However, the tooth is irreversibly weakened and susceptible to crown fracture. These patients benefit from ¾ crown therapy. This crown covers the tooth in such a way to maximize strength and protect from further attrition.

The procedure involves pre-operative radiographs and conservative reduction of the tooth with a diamond bur. Full mouth impressions and stone models are made. These are submitted to a laboratory along with tooth specific impressions. Once fabricated the metal crown is cemented on the tooth.

Without treatment many of these teeth will fracture. We have seen worn mandibular canines fracture bilaterally. Without root canal therapy, extraction of both is quite difficult and results in significant weakening of the rostral mandible as well as causing the pet's tongue to hang out.