04 Feb Treatment Options for Fractured Dog Teeth
Fractured or broken teeth are common in dogs and can happen for a variety of reasons. Dogs love to chew and have strong jaws. If a dog chews on a hard object such as a bone or antler, they can easily generate enough force to break their own teeth. Other common reasons for tooth fractures include chewing on kennels, playing rough with other dogs, or running face-first into something solid. Because these injuries can be painful and may lead to infection, timely fractured dog tooth treatment is important.
Signs Your Dog May Have a Fractured Tooth
Obviously, these injuries can be painful, but dogs can’t tell us that they have tooth pain. You may find a piece of your dog’s tooth on the floor or see your dog smacking their lips and drooling. Other times, a fractured tooth is found at a routine checkup or by the owner while brushing the teeth. Some dogs will be reluctant to pick up toys or eat crunchy food. Others may develop facial swelling if a tooth abscesses.
How Veterinarians Find and Diagnose Fractured Teeth
At Animal Dental Care & Oral Surgery, we are always on the lookout for broken teeth. We look for teeth that are missing pieces or for a discrepancy in the distribution of tartar. When a tooth hurts, it tends to collect more tartar because the dog isn’t using the tooth as much. Sometimes the tooth appears to be missing, but the root is still present, sticking out of the gums.
Types of Fractured Teeth in Dogs
Fractured teeth are divided into two categories.
Direct Pulp Exposure (Complicated Crown Fracture)
First are those that have direct pulp exposure. That means that enough of the tooth has broken off that the soft tissue in the center is now exposed to the oral cavity. When pulp exposure first occurs, there is usually some bleeding. Once the bleeding stops, you can see red or pink tissue protruding from the tooth. Over time, the pulp dies, but you can still see a dark hole. Eventually, the dog may pack dirt, etc., into the hole, or tartar will form over it, making it less obvious. The hole in the tooth allows bacteria to get inside and cause inflammation and infection. This is how many tooth root abscesses occur in dogs.
Indirect Pulp Exposure (Uncomplicated Crown Fracture)
The second category of fractured teeth is indirect pulp exposure. These teeth are missing enamel and some dentin (the next layer of hard tissue under the enamel). When dentin is exposed, it is sensitive. The pulp can feel what has happened and will try to repair the dentin from the inside out. Sometimes this works, and the tooth will stay alive. Other times, bacteria are able to penetrate the dentin, and the pulp dies.
Fractured Dog Tooth Treatment Options
Both kinds of fractured teeth need further investigation and treatment. For teeth with direct pulp exposure, there are only two treatment options. One is to extract the tooth. This will prevent or resolve a painful abscess. The other is to keep the tooth in place, but clean out the inside, fill it up, and seal it off so that bacteria can’t get in. This is what root canal treatment means. The best choice depends on several factors, including the health of the animal, the cost of treatment, and what the tooth looks like on diagnostic imaging. The only wrong choice is to ignore a fractured tooth!
Extraction vs. Root Canal Treatment for Dogs
For teeth with direct pulp exposure, there are only two treatment options. One is to extract the tooth. This will prevent or resolve a painful abscess. The other is to keep the tooth in place, but clean out the inside, fill it up, and seal it off so that bacteria can’t get in. This is what root canal treatment means. The best choice depends on several factors, including the health of the animal, the cost of treatment, and what the tooth looks like on diagnostic imaging.
Vital Pulp Therapy for a Young Dog’s Fractured Tooth
One exception to these treatment options is if a young dog has pulp exposure, a less involved treatment can be performed called vital pulp therapy. This keeps the pulp alive and allows the tooth to continue to mature. Young dog teeth have thin walls and less root development. Keeping young teeth alive can help them become stronger. Vital pulp therapy is most successful if it is done within 48 hours of the tooth being fractured.
Treatment for a Fractured Baby Tooth in Dogs
Another exception is if a baby tooth is fractured. These teeth also need treatment. Either extraction or vital pulp therapy can be performed. Even though baby teeth should fall out by the time the dog is six months old, fractured baby teeth are painful and can abscess. A dead baby tooth may not fall out on schedule. Infection of a fractured baby tooth can damage the adult tooth that is developing beneath it.
Odontoplasty and Bonded Sealants for Indirect Pulp Exposure
Teeth with indirect pulp exposure also need treatment. Diagnostic imaging can help determine if the tooth is still living and help choose the best course of action. If there are sharp or jagged edges, these can be smoothed to help protect the lips and tongue and hopefully help prevent the tooth from chipping further. This procedure is called odontoplasty. A bonded sealant can be applied to protect the exposed dentin.
Follow-Up Care After Fractured Dog Tooth Treatment
Whether a tooth has root canal treatment, vital pulp therapy or odontoplasty and bonded sealant application, it’s important to follow up. Dogs aren’t very good at reading their discharge instructions, so they may damage the tooth again. To avoid further damage, don’t give your dog hard chews and/or consider having a crown placed over the tooth to protect it. Future diagnostic imaging is recommended whenever a tooth is fractured but not extracted. It’s important to verify that any treatment has been successful and that the tooth is not causing any pain.
Fractured Tooth Repair for Dogs in Fort Collins
If you think your dog (or cat) has a fractured tooth, don’t wait to get it checked. A broken tooth can be extremely painful and may lead to infection or an abscess if left untreated. The sooner you seek fractured dog tooth treatment, the better your pet’s chances of staying comfortable and avoiding complications. Contact Animal Dental Care & Oral Surgery today to schedule an evaluation and let our team help you choose the safest, most effective treatment option for your pet.