Success of Feather Margin Preparation for Full Metal Prosthodontic Crowns in the Canine Teeth in 84 Pet and Working Dogs (2005-2017)

Abstract

Medical and dental records of Veterinary Dental Specialties and Oral Surgery were searched to identify dogs that received full metal prosthodontic crowns on canine teeth, using a feather or knife edge preparation between 2005 and 2017. A total of 160 teeth in 84 dogs were included in the study. Current follow-up by telephone, electronic mail, or electronic messaging was conducted, in addition to thorough record review for in-person recheck examinations. Treatment was considered successful if the prosthodontic crown was in place and no further or additional injury to the tooth had occurred at the time of reexamination, owner contact, or patient death. Tooth fracture apical to the prosthodontic crown occurred in 2 (1.25%) cases, bond failure between the tooth and the cement or the cement and the crown occurred in a single case (0.625%), and one metal crown required replacement after 3 years due to wear (0.625%), for an overall failure rate of 2.5%. These results suggest that feather preparation of the margin is at least as, if not more, successful as the more commonly accepted and performed chamfer margin, and thus is a successful, practical and durable option for prosthodontic crown treatment in dog canine teeth.

Introduction to endodontic diseases and their treatment in companion animals

“…Crowns are made at specialist laboratories from an impression of the tooth, and these are then cemented in place at a separate appointment. In a study of 160 crowns, the authors reported no loss of crown or further injury to the tooth in 97.5 per cent of cases, suggesting that prosthodontic crown therapy is a suitable option for protecting previously injured teeth in dogs (Ribka and Niemiec 2021).…”