Partial Pulpotomy on a Molar tooth in an African Lion
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View of the incredibly efficient masticatory apparatus and oral cavity of a female lion. Notice the small blood spot on the mandibular left 4th Pre-Molar.
Close up view of a Class III fracture of the middle cusp of this mandibular left 4th pre-molar. Instrument is a periodontal pocket probe with 3mm markings.
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View of proper placement of intra-oral radiograph packet, which can be held in place with an ordinary rubber dental ‘bite-block’.
Utilizing a tapered diamond dental bur to open access into coronal portion of pulp canal down to fresh, vital, healthy pulp tissue.
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It is normal and very desirable to have copious bleeding from freshly amputated pulp tissue. If this tissue is healthy, the bleeding will stop within a few moments, because of the constriction and clotting of normal healthy blood vessels. This slow down and clotting is a sign that the exposed pulpal tissue has been amputated back to healthy tissue, which has the capacity to heal, and form a secondary dentin bridge.
The interior of the “cavity preparation” is cleaned with solutions of hydrogen peroxide and sodium hypochlorite – injected simultaneously to maximize cleaning effect.
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View of clean, dry “cavity preparation” ready for restoration.
Placing a layer of Bioglass synthetic, particulate grafting material into the “cavity preparation”, and utilizing a sterile plastic packing instrument to condense this hemostatic material gently onto the amputated ‘stump’ of healthy pulp tissue.
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Injecting a second layer of restorative Calcium Hydroxide material over the Bioglass to protect it from the disruptive sequence of restorative materials which follow.
Acid etching of the freshly re-contoured “cavity preparation” to prepare for the composite restorative materials.
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Lining / washing the etched “cavity preparation” with dentin bonding material – following manufacturer’s instructions.
Placement of composite resin restorative materia with manufacturer’s recommended ‘non-scratching’ instrument.
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Light curing composite restoration to rapidly maximize hardness of material.
Hardened restorative material ready for final functional contouring.
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A thoroughly satisfied and contented lioness returning to her pride ready to chew her way thru another day.