Tooth Fracture in Dogs

Tooth fracture in dogs is most commonly caused by some kind of trauma (such as being hit by a car or other object to the mouth) or by chewing on something hard. While it’s possible for any tooth to fracture, the canine teeth (fangs) and upper fourth premolar (large tooth in the back) are most commonly fractured in dogs. While a tooth fracture may seem like it can be left alone, it’s important to treat it to avoid infection that can then spread to vital bodily organs.

The most prominent symptom in tooth fracture is the fractured tooth itself. However, depending on the location of the tooth, this may not be something that you can easily see. Other symptoms include:

• Pain, especially if the pulp (pink tissue beneath the tooth) of the tooth is exposed
• Formation of a tooth abscess (called a carnassial abscess, most common in fractures of the fourth premolar)
• Infection of the fractured tooth
• Bleeding near the fractured tooth

Types

Fractures can occur to any tooth in a dog’s mouth though the canine teeth (fangs) and upper fourth premolar (large tooth in the back of the mouth) are most commonly fractured in dogs. There aren’t specific types of fractures, though a fracture can be accessed by severity.

• The best-case scenario for a fracture is a minor fracture in which the pulp is not exposed. There will be less pain for the pet and less risk, but the fracture should still be treated before it becomes worse.
• If the pulp is exposed, the pet will likely be in a lot of pain. An exposed pulp will cause the formation of a carnassial abscess, in which an abscess at the root tips breaks through the skin.
• In addition to the exposing of the pulp, it’s possible that a fracture will result in the tooth losing the crown, in which case it may need to be restored.

Tooth fractures are caused by some kind of pressure being forced onto the tooth, causing it to break. Most common fractures are caused by traumatic injuries, such as being hit by a car or otherwise being struck with something in the face and mouth region, or biting down on something hard, like a thick bone.

The first step in diagnosis is recognizing the symptoms as being indicative of a fractured tooth. Once you’ve gone to the veterinarian, a simple examination of the mouth will reveal the fracture in the tooth and the location. Once the fracture has been identified, further inspection can reveal the severity of the fractured tooth and from there a course of treatment can be determined. The sooner that a fractured tooth is discovered and treated, the better the chances of returning to needed functionality.

There are three courses of treatment for a fractured tooth:

• Root canal therapy: This is the best treatment option for a tooth that is otherwise healthy (no disease, root fracture, etc.). This treatment option removes the infected pulp and fills the root canals with mendicants to prevent future infection. For dogs, this is most commonly used on canines, upper fourth premolars, and lower first molars, though it can be completed for any fractured tooth.
• Vital pulpotomy: This treatment is completed if the fracture is fresh and has not become severely infected. This is commonly used on fractures of the teeth of young dogs (less than 18 months of age).
• Extraction: This treatment option depends largely on the tooth, severity of the fracture, and any other present diseases. This is the last option for fractures of the canines, upper fourth premolars, and lower first premolars. This treatment is typically avoided if possible for a few reasons: it is very painful, and not simple, especially in canines; additionally, an extraction completely removes functionality of the tooth, which can be very important for chewing (especially if it is one of the three types mentioned previously).

Recovery and management will depend partly on the course of treatment administered. There will be a period of recovery, and potential post-surgery complications will need to be monitored. You’ll likely be given instructions for care and cleaning of the affected tooth and surrounding area, as to avoid infection.