Tooth Dislocation or Sudden Loss in Dogs

Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 02/07/2016Updated: 01/12/2022
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
Tooth Dislocation or Sudden Loss in Dogs - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost

What are Tooth Dislocation or Sudden Loss?

Dislocation , luxation or sudden loss of teeth in canines is usually caused by trauma to the mouth area. Partial dislocation of the tooth is called luxation and full dislocation out of the socket is referred to as avulsion. Luxation can present vertically (up or down within the socket) or laterally (movement is from side to side). Luxation and avulsion are both urgent conditions that need veterinary intervention without delay. 

Trauma to the mouth is the most common cause of dislocation of the teeth. Luxation and avulsion are both urgent conditions. Any damage or irregularity of the teeth should be investigated by your veterinarian as soon as possible. 

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Symptoms of Tooth Dislocation or Sudden Loss in Dogs

Although the loss of a tooth is fairly easy to spot and a tooth that is significantly loosened may be simple to identify, some forms of tooth dislocation are more difficult to see. If a tooth gets dislocated upwards (intrusive luxation) it will appear shorter, but may not appear to be loose in the socket at first glance.

  • Discoloration of tooth
  • Pain or tenderness in mouth
  • Movement of (adult) tooth in socket
  • Bleeding in mouth
  • Difficulty chewing or eating
  • Excessive or abnormal drooling
  • Swollen gums
  • Missing tooth
  • Visible displacement of tooth

Types

  • Avulsion- Complete displacement of the tooth from the tooth socket.
  • Concussion- Damage to the structures supporting the tooth without displacement or increased movement of the tooth. A concussed tooth will be tender to touching or tapping, and may exhibit bleeding from the gums.
  • Extrusive luxation- Tooth is still attached but exhibits partial displacement out of the socket.
  • Intrusive luxation- Tooth is attached but has been pushed deeper into the socket
  • Lateral luxation- Tooth is attached but an eccentric displacement of the tooth is present.
  • Subluxation- Damage to the structures supporting the tooth that causes abnormal loosening, but no displacement.

Causes of Tooth Dislocation or Sudden Loss in Dogs

Sudden loss or displacement of a tooth is almost always due to trauma to the mouth area. This can be due to falls, blows to the face, disputes with other dogs, car accidents, or biting down on inappropriately hard material, such as bone, stone or metal. Infections of the teeth and gums can weaken the teeth and increase the chance that they will become displaced or broken. 

Diagnosis of Tooth Dislocation or Sudden Loss in Dogs

This type of damage is often referred to a veterinary dentist for both diagnostics and treatment. The veterinarian that is working with you will need information regarding any injuries to the mouth, when the symptoms first started, and if there is any history of previous infection in the mouth or periodontal disease. A thorough examination of the teeth and jaw, as well as x-rays of the affected area, are essential for a full diagnosis. Your veterinarian will likely be able to determine what type of dislocation is present from the physical examination, but the x-ray is needed to check for additional damage to the socket and jaw. X-rays can also help determine if there are any underlying causes that need to be addressed. The underlying conditions that may be revealed by x-ray could include the aforementioned tooth infections or periodontal disease, as well as rarer conditions such as osteoporosis or bone cancer. 

Treatment of Tooth Dislocation or Sudden Loss in Dogs

Avulsion, luxation, and concussion are all urgent matters and you should contact your veterinarian as soon as you are aware of the problem. Your veterinarian will either have you come in or will make a referral to a veterinary dentist. 

If the tooth is concussed or luxated, keep your dog calm and quiet while you contact your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may have you realign the tooth in the socket if it is possible and safe to do so. This will protect the root from drying out and help to prevent further damage to the socket. 

If the tooth is completely removed from the socket, pick the tooth up without touching the root. If there is dirt or debris present you may rinse the tooth in lukewarm water for just a few seconds, any longer than a few seconds could cause additional damage to the tooth.  Do not attempt to dry the tooth off or to wrap it in paper or cloth. When it is possible, reinsertion of the tooth into the socket will best protect the roots from drying out, otherwise putting the tooth in a small amount of milk or saliva will keep the roots viable for a short time. 

It is often the case that the tooth may be reinserted, but time is of the essence. Successful replantation of avulsed or luxated teeth usually has the best prognosis the more quickly it is addressed. Oral surgery under anesthesia is generally required to replace or reposition the tooth. Various wires or splints may be used to hold teeth in place while healing. If the tooth cannot safely be reinserted or repositioned, your veterinarinan will make sure to remove any damaged tooth fragments that may be in the socket and suture it closed if warranted.

Most owners, however, won't pursue tooth replacement as it is a costly and specialised procedure.

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Recovery of Tooth Dislocation or Sudden Loss in Dogs

The first 24 hours after oral surgery you will want to ensure that your dog is kept calm and quiet to speed recovery. Your pet is likely to be groggy and you will want to remove obstacles and hazards in your home. Be cautious with pet to pet interactions during this time, as disorientation and temporary changes in odor can cause conflict even with pets that normally get along. 

How long the splint needs to stay in place depends on the severity of the damage to the tooth and to the alveolar socket. Splints may be removed as soon as 7 to 10 days in the case of minor damage, or they may need to stay in place for 4 to 6 weeks in the event of fractures in the jawbone or tearing of the support structures of the tooth. While the splint is in place chewing should be restricted, and your canine companion will be put on a soft food diet until the tooth has stabilized. The area around the splint will also need to be flushed clean with water at least twice daily while it is in place.

Once the tooth is reattached another x-ray will be taken to check progress, and a root canal will most likely be required to remove any necrotic pulp in the tooth.


In the case of tooth loss, healing occurs quickly over a few days. The gum should be monitored for signs of infection.

Tooth Dislocation or Sudden Loss Average Cost

From 367 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,500

Average Cost

$850

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Tooth Dislocation or Sudden Loss Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals

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Australian Shepherd

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Three Years

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6 found this helpful

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6 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
From Tooth Pulled Out
My dog was playing with his ripe toy and all of a sudden one of his front smaller teeth was on the ground. After examination there is a clear hole where that tooth should be. Is this something to be concerned about?

Aug. 2, 2020

Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM

6 Recommendations

Thank you for your question. I think this is something to be concerned about, yes. At 3 years old, those are permanent teeth. It may not be a problem that that tooth is missing, but it would be best to have it examined by your veterinarian to make sure that there is not a broken tooth root or some problem. I hope that all goes well for your dog.

Aug. 2, 2020

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Goldendoodle

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16 weeks

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5 found this helpful

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5 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Bleeding Around Tooth
We were playing with him with a toy up and down and I let go he chewed on the toy with his mouth closed and when he let go on the toy there was blood on it. When we looked in the mouth he was bleeding around the tooth. He doesn’t seem to be in any pain, he’s drinking water and I gave him a spoon ful of soft food but i don’t want to feed him if it’s an open wound. It bled a decent amount at first but it doesn’t seem to be bleeding enough to deep anymore. I can’t get a photo of the tooth he won’t sit still

July 28, 2020

Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM

5 Recommendations

Thank you for your question. He is at the age when he would normally be losing his baby teeth, and one of them may have fallen out during the play time. If that is the case, it is quite normal. Since I cannot see his mouth, it would be a good idea to ask your veterinarian to look at his teeth at his next preventive care appointment, as they can make sure that a permanent tooth was not damaged. I hope that all goes well with him!

July 28, 2020

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Tooth Dislocation or Sudden Loss Average Cost

From 367 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,500

Average Cost

$850

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