13 Sep What to Do if Your Dog Chips a Tooth
If your dog chips a tooth, don’t panic! The first thing to do is reach out to your vet for advice. A chipped tooth, or “fractured” tooth, might seem minor, but it’s important to have a professional check it out. Dogs are really good at hiding pain, even if there’s an infection or damage to the tooth. Your quick action can help prevent discomfort and keep your dog happy and healthy.
How Vets Diagnose a Chipped Tooth
To figure out how serious the tooth fracture is, your vet will likely need to do an anesthetized exam and dental imaging. This helps them see the full extent of the damage and decide the best course of treatment. Things like the type of tooth, the depth of the fracture, and whether the damage is recent or older all factor into the treatment plan, which your vet will walk you through.
Why Tooth Anatomy Matters
A quick look at how your dog’s teeth are structured can help explain why fracture depth is so important. The outer layer of the tooth is the enamel, which acts like a shield, but it’s thinner and more fragile in dogs than in humans. Even a small chip can go through the enamel, reaching the dentin and pulp underneath, which is where the nerves are. This is why tooth fractures can be painful for your dog, even if they don’t show it. Addressing the problem early is key to keeping your dog comfortable.
Treatment Options for Your Dog’s Chipped Tooth
If the chip is only in the enamel, your vet might suggest applying a bonded sealant to protect the tooth while it heals. This can only be done after dental imaging confirms that the inside of the tooth is still healthy and infection-free. A follow-up visit in 6 to 12 months is usually recommended to make sure the tooth is healing properly.
For deeper fractures that reach the pulp or nerves, infection and pain are inevitable without treatment. Bacteria can enter through the fracture and cause serious issues like abscesses, jawbone weakening, and facial swelling. In these cases, your dog will need either a root canal or an extraction.
Root Canal or Extraction: What’s Best for Your Dog?
Both root canals and extractions will relieve your dog’s pain and stop the infection. A root canal allows your dog to keep the tooth by removing only the damaged inner tissue, making it a great option for important teeth like canines and molars. Extractions, on the other hand, involve removing the entire tooth but are still a safe and effective solution. Your vet will help you decide what’s best based on the specific tooth and the extent of the damage.
Take Action: Contact Your Vet
If your dog has chipped a tooth, don’t wait—contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Early treatment can prevent pain and complications, making sure your dog stays happy and healthy. Animal Dental Specialists are ready to help. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment!
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (9/13/2024) Image by Winsker from Pixabay