Pistol Pete Gets Ready For The Dentist

I had no idea that there are dentists just for dogs. I have a condition called malocclusion.

Malocclusion is a big word; it basically means my upper and lower teeth do not align properly. In my case, it is my canine teeth. These are vital teeth for the canine jaw structure. 

My lower canine teeth press against my palate, the roof of my mouth. This can cause pain. To ease my pain, I chew a lot. I also drool, which might be caused by the pain. I don't know. 

The expert veterinarians recommend correcting the issue before the canine teeth can cause additional problems, such as puncturing my palate and going into my nasal cavity. That sounds terrible and always has a potential for an infection, which could cause a whole other set of problems. 

I am a lucky dog, as my condition was identified early in my life, and my Master is taking me to a specialized doggy dentist to get a vital pulp therapy procedure performed. I am not an expert on the procedure, but I understand that it involves removing or shortening my canines. Then drill to the pulp and feel it with fillings, such as when you have a cavity. The end is to cap the tooth. This should prevent my canines from pressing against the roof of my mouth and causing pain and additional issues. 

I hear it is a less invasive surgery than pulling my canines, and it helps protect the tooth and structure of my mouth. There is always a possibility that removing the canine teeth could break my jaw. I am thankful we will see if the vital pulp therapy works. The veterinarians report high positive results. I pray it does.

Stay tuned, and I will let you know how I do in surgery and after my trip to the dentist.