Root canal vs extraction

[andersonkami]

I have a rescue Saint Bernard named William, male, neutered, 150 lbs with an upper tooth fracture. The oral surgeon/dentist recommends a root canal instead of an extraction. I rescued him last July. Good BEAM. Whole food fresh diet: raw wild; Yumwoof, Dr. Becker's raw freeze dried. Many vaccines from previous guardians. On kibble his previous life. 2 vets including oral surgeon said very painful as root is exposed. He eats well. When I first rescued him I thought he chewed a little different but was not sure if that was just the way he chewed. I give him a raw rib bone 2-3 times per week which he mostly inhales not chews. I also give him Breath Bones from V-dog ( a plant-based dog chew), he has more 'trouble' with that.....seems like it is hard for him to chew it. This may be his only real symptom. I don't want him in pain. Surgery is booked for March 20. An anesthesiologist will be doing the anesthetic....per my request.

 

[Dr. Jeff]

HI, and welcome to HA!

Thanks for making your first post.

And thank you for giving William a loving forever home. He's one lucky pup.

How old is he?

An anesthesiologist will be doing the anesthetic....per my request.

Wow, how wonderful! Is he having the procedure at an academic hospital like a vet school?

IMHO, extraction is the surest way to minimize tooth pain/discomfort.

Arnica 10M before and after the procedure will help it go even smoother.

Arnica is Safer and Often More Effective Than Rimadyl - Holistic Actions!

Give your injured dog or cat frequent sips of Arnica from a water bottle right after any injury. It can help by the time you get to the veterinarian.

www.holisticactions.com