10 Apr What to Do If Your Dog Breaks a Tooth
A broken tooth is a very common dental problem for a dog. Dogs explore the world with their mouths and love to chew and because of this, their teeth can become fractured in several different ways.
If you notice a broken tooth in your dog’s mouth, it’s important to have it evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
What Causes Tooth Fractures in Dogs?
Many tooth fractures occur when dogs chew on objects that are too hard. Real bones, rocks, sticks, antlers, cow or horse hooves, and certain chew toys made from hard nylon or plastic can easily damage teeth. These things may seem like good chew options, but they are often strong enough to crack a dog’s tooth.
Some dogs can be more prone to fractures due to the condition of their teeth. Teeth that are already weakened from previous damage, excessive wear, or developmental abnormalities may break more easily. Certain behaviors can also increase the risk of injury, such as chewing on fences, kennel bars, or other hard surfaces.
What Should You Do If Your Dog Has a Broken Tooth?
If you suspect your dog may have fractured a tooth, the first step is to schedule an examination with your veterinarian. A “wait and see” approach is not recommended.
Dental problems can be difficult to detect without proper examination and imaging. A broken tooth can be extremely painful for your pet even if the fracture looks minor from the outside. There may be deeper damage that is not visible.
Your veterinarian will examine the tooth and may recommend dental imaging to determine the severity of the fracture. They then can discuss the most appropriate treatment options for your dog.
When Does a Broken Tooth in a Dog Require a Veterinary Dental Specialist?
Many general practice veterinarians are experienced in dental care and can determine when referral to a veterinary dentist is appropriate.
In more involved cases, such as fractures where the pulp of the tooth is exposed, prompt treatment is important. The pulp is the living tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. When it becomes exposed, bacteria from the mouth can enter the tooth and cause infection.
Over time, the pulp can become inflamed and eventually die. Once this occurs, the tooth becomes a chronic source of infection. Bacteria can spread to the tissues surrounding the tooth root and, in some cases, enter the bloodstream and affect other organs in the body.
Treatment Options for Complicated Tooth Fractures
When the pulp of the tooth is exposed, there are typically two treatment options: extraction or root canal therapy.
Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction removes the damaged tooth entirely. One of the advantages of extraction is that it is usually completed in a single procedure and may be less costly than a root canal in some cases.
However, extraction also has its drawbacks. Removing the tooth means losing its functional role in chewing and maintaining normal oral structure. Surgical extraction can also cause more tissue trauma, which can lead to a longer recovery period.
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential complications, including bleeding, fracture of surrounding bone, nerve injury, damage to nearby structures, retained root fragments, infection and other issues.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is designed to save the tooth. During this procedure, the infected pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected, and the tooth is sealed to prevent further infection.
The main benefit of a root canal is that the tooth remains in place and continues to function normally. Because the tooth is preserved, the procedure typically causes less disruption to the surrounding oral structures and recovery is often quicker.
Root canal therapy can be more costly than extraction and requires follow-up imaging to ensure the treatment was successful. Dental radiographs are typically recommended 9-12 months after the procedure.
What About Simple Tooth Fractures?
Not all tooth fractures involve pulp exposure. When the inner pulp remains protected, treatment options can be less invasive.
Depending on the case, your veterinarian may recommend treatments such as dentin bonding, composite restoration, or placement of a crown to protect the damaged tooth and restore its function.
Veterinary Dental Care in Birmingham, Alabama
A fractured tooth should never be ignored. Prompt evaluation and treatment can help prevent infection, reduce pain, and protect your dog’s long-term dental health.
If your dog has a broken tooth, the team at Animal Dental Specialists is here to help. Our doctors can evaluate your pet’s tooth and recommend the most appropriate treatment to keep your dog comfortable and healthy.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about advanced veterinary dental care in the Birmingham area.