ABSTRACT
Modern composite restorative materials offer the veterinarian greater flexibility in the repair of damaged teeth. An understanding of the make-up of these materials is essential to maximize the effectiveness of the repairs. Endodontic disease was once ignored and is now treated on a daily basis. Newer composite restorations offer an effective means of protecting the sensitive pulp from bacterial invasion and allow the veterinarian to restore the tooth to function.
Subject(s)
Composite Resins , Dental Restoration, Permanent/veterinary , Animals , Animals, Domestic , Dental Pins/veterinary , Post and Core Technique/veterinary , Tooth/anatomy & histologyABSTRACT
Not one post, core, margin, impression material, cement, or final restoration can be used in all clinical situations. This article does not discuss the merits and shortcomings of the numerous restorative concepts and techniques that exist, but rather has concentrated on those that the author believes are valid and applicable today. If one third or more of the anatomic crown remains, or if this is achieved by crown lengthening, a post may not be necessary; however, a crown restoration should definitely be considered. Veterinary dentistry cannot limit those variables that occur daily in clinical practice. Veterinarians must learn to work with these variables and spend less time trying to find the one that applies to all cases. When the basic concepts of how to retain the various restorative components and how to protect remaining tooth structure are understood, the ability to answer numerous questions that arise during the restorative process is facilitated and results in final restorations that are based on sound design principles.