As the life span of companion animals increases and their owners’ concern for their quality of life increases, interest in dental diseases has also gained attention. While many studies have explored oral diseases in general, research on small-breed dogs remains limited. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed various diseases that led to tooth extraction in small- and medium-breed dogs. A study involving 2201 client-owned small- and medium-breed dogs was conducted. All dogs were categorized by sex, age, breed, and tooth position. Teeth were classified into untreated, missing, or extracted categories. For extracted teeth, 14 causes were identified. The results revealed that periodontal disease was the primary cause of tooth extractions, particularly in older dogs and small breeds. In addition to periodontal disease, various other diseases that led to tooth extraction were identified. For these other diseases, the number of extracted teeth increased with age, and brachycephalic breeds exhibited higher extraction rates. The study emphasizes the need for personalized oral care and further research into other contributing factors such as diet and genetics to better understand and manage oral health in dogs. It also offers valuable insights into the broader patterns of tooth extraction associated with various dental diseases.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of root canal treatment (RCT) for canine teeth in cats by determining the optimal master apical file (MAF) size via a taperless rotary file system and comparing three different filling materials. Methods: A total of 83 fractured canine teeth from 78 cats were treated with a taperless nickel–titanium file system. Three different filling materials were used: (1) a silicone-based sealer with a single gutta-percha (GP) cone; (2) a bioceramic sealer with a single GP cone; and (3) a bioceramic plug at the apex followed by a silicone-based sealer and a GP cone for the residual pulp canal. The MAF size was determined by enlarging the apical portion to three International Organization for Standardization sizes beyond the initial apical file. Treatment outcomes were classified as success, no evidence of failure and failure. Outcome-related factors were identified via multivariable logistic regression. Results: The overall success rate was 91.6%. The bioceramic sealer showed the highest success rate (97%), followed by the bioceramic plug (95%) and the silicone-based sealer (83.3%). Overfill and pre-existing periapical lesions were significantly associated with reduced success. The overfill rates of bioceramic sealers and plugs were significantly lower than those of silicone-based sealers. The MAF size showed a significant positive correlation with body weight and a negative correlation with age. Conclusions and relevance: A taperless file system could be used to facilitate precise apical shaping tailored to the fusiform anatomy of canine teeth in cats and thus improve treatment outcomes. These findings support the use of bioceramic sealers in a single-cone obturation technique and highlight the importance of achieving an optimal MAF size to enhance the success of RCT for canine teeth in cats.

A 3.4 kg, 3‐year‐old, male poodle was referred with a suspected root fracture. On intraoral radiography using parallel techniques, a radiolucent line was observed at the apical one‐quarter of the distal root of the right mandibular first molar, along with a widening of the periodontal ligament space in the periapical area. A cone‐beam computed tomography examination was subsequently performed for differential diagnosis to distinguish between a root fracture and other dental pathologies, abnormalities or radiographic artefacts. In the transverse and dorsal planes of the cone‐beam computed tomography scan, buccolingual‐directed dilaceration was revealed in the distal root of the right mandibular first molar, while there was no evidence of root fracture or widening of the periodontal ligament space. A recheck 3 years following the first visit did not demonstrate pathological changes on intraoral radiography and cone‐beam computed tomography examinations. This case report describes the successfully diagnosed root dilaceration in a dog using cone‐beam computed tomography.