Crown restoration
Cast metal crown restoration of damaged teeth is recommended in animals with a likelihood of future trauma to the teeth or to prevent further damage to a worn tooth. Examples include dogs who perform bite work, cage chewers, and dogs who play with tennis balls or other toys to the point of causing excessive wear on the teeth. A crown restoration is a two-step process. During the first anesthetic episode, the tooth is shaped to create retention for the crown. Impressions of the tooth and occlusion are collected and sent to a crown laboratory. The crowns are custom-made from the impressions and are generally available in two weeks. The crown material used most commonly in dogs is a metal alloy that is silver in color. When the crowns arrive from the laboratory, the patient is anesthetized again to cement the crowns into place.