CARIES 45 



Caries Dentum 

 (Caries of the Teeth) 



True caries of the teeth^ — that is, molecular de- 

 struction — is rare in the dog, but such cases have 

 been observed. It begins on the upper' surface 

 and mainly in the cavity of the crown, appearing as 

 a black spot. This spot, which is the decaying part 

 of the tooth, gradually penetrates the tooth toward 

 the pulp cavity, and finally exposes the nerve, tooth- 

 ache being the result. 



In necrosis of the teeth there is usually an alveolar 

 periostitis associated with it, the tooth becoming 

 loose, and yellow in color. In these cases alveolar 

 abscesses may form and pyorrhea alveolaris, or 

 dental fistula, remain. An animal affected with 

 toothache becomes irritable, resents any manipula- 

 tion of the mouth, has difficulty in mastication, and 

 is salivated. The affected tooth is very tender ; if 

 struck with a sound or key causes the animal to cry. 



Treatment. — In true caries, if treated before the 

 nerve is exposed, the tooth may be saved by care- 

 fully drilling out the cavity, removing all diseased 

 tooth substance, and filling the cavity with dental 

 cement or amalgam. If, however, the case has gone 

 too far for filling, extraction is the only remedy. 

 For this purpose the mouth is held open by a specu- 

 lum or gag, the forceps applied as far on the tooth 

 as possible, the tooth loosened by a few lateral 

 twists and finally, extracted by a strong pull in the 

 direction of its roots. Immediately after the .ex- 

 traction the gums should be firmly compressed and 

 the mouth washed out with an antiseptic lotion. 



