Side Effects of Root Exposure

As they age, many greyhounds will suffer from extensive root exposure, especially on their upper and lower canines. This root exposed are has a texture like sandpaper in comparison to a tooth's normal smooth enamel covering and it has consequences you probably don't even realize. I have yet to read anywhere where this common problem has been noted.

The exposed root will rub against the inner gum lining of your dog's mouth causing ulcerations. Just cleaning the teeth will not correct the problem. Ideally, the tooth should be planed, desensitized and then bonded with a thin coat of composite spread over the root exposed area. The result is the same smoothness that you would have on the enamel portion of the tooth. At NGAP much of this work can be done with our Biolase MD. The laser is also used on all of the inflamed areas including the ulcerated area.