Fractured Maxilliary first Molars in Two Dogs

Dental fracnrres occur frequently in the dog. The prevalence of dental frachrres in one survey of dogs anesthetized for reasons other than oral disease was reported present in270/o of the dogs examined.r The teeth mostfrequentlyfracturedin this zurvey were the incisor teeth. Fractured canine teeth were the second most commonly fractured teeth and upper carnassial teeth were the third most commonly fractured teettr in this survey. These findings were in conflict with an'other report that states that the canine or upper carnassial teeth are most often fractured.2 Dental frach-rres should be dassified on presentation into two basic categories, dental frac[rres with pulpal exposure and dental fractures with no pulpal exposure. A fracture of the enamel and/or dentin without exposure of the pulp usually requires only the sharp edges of the fracture site be smoothed off as necessary. A fracnrred tooth with exposed pulp requires endodontic therapy or extraction. Fractured teeth are often noted as incidental findings on physical examination. However, a series of evenB may occur in some frach,rred teeth with exposed pulp which can result in significant clinical presentations. This series of events has been previously described3and includes the following conditions: