What is Tooth Fracture?
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.
Tooth fracture in dogs occurs when enough pressure is exerted onto the tooth to break it. This usually occurs as the result of trauma or biting too hard. The canines and upper fourth premolars are the most commonly fractured teeth. Fractured teeth can be detected by visually finding the fracture or noticing pain, bleeding, or infection near the site of the fractured tooth. Treatment includes root canal, vital pulpotomy, and extraction.Tooth Fracture Average Cost
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Average Cost
$850
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Symptoms of Tooth Fracture in Dogs
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.
Causes of Tooth Fracture in Dogs
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.
Diagnosis of Tooth Fracture in Dogs
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.
Treatment of Tooth Fracture in Dogs
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).
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Recovery of Tooth Fracture in Dogs
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.
Tooth Fracture Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,500
Average Cost
$850
Top
Tooth Fracture Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Pitbull mix
Rocko
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Muscle Tremors
Weakness
Vomiting
Drowsy
Licking Lips
Shaky
I have a 1 year old pitbull mix and his two top k9 teeth are split in half.Each tooth is showing a red / pink portion and he was vomiting foam and dog food.I am not really sure how he did it , but what can I do to stop bleeding till tomorrow to take to the vet?
July 26, 2017
0 Recommendations
It can be difficult to stop the bleeding from teeth due to the saliva softening any blood clot. You can attempt ice packs held up against the teeth to attempt to slow the bleeding. Don’t allow any further food today and try to assist drinking by using a syringe. If you can get to an Emergency Veterinarian, go there. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
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Alaskan Malamute
Glacier
7 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bleeding
Tooth Pain
i think my dog has what Looks like a slab fracture of his 308 (bottom right carnassial) . I have a pic I can show. It happened today is waiting a week ok? I want to make sure she's not suffering. Any ideas or tips?
July 26, 2017
0 Recommendations
Slab fractures of the carnassial teeth are relatively uncommon but do occur and are quite easy to diagnose. I would recommend having the tooth seen to as soon as possible as secondary problems like infection and pain whilst eating can be an issue. If you must wait, don’t allow chew toys or kibbles during this time and try to feed wet food as a paste and clean the teeth after eating so no debris stays around. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
GLacier will be going for his second tplo surgery Friday so they will look at it while he is under. My poor baby can't get a break. He is on pain meds currently while awaiting his surgery date.
July 26, 2017
Glacier's Owner
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pitbull
Lady
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Broken Tooth
Hello, My dog (Lady) is a 2 year old Pitt-bull. I recently bought her a big bone and she went crazy chewing that thing down to nothing. A day later I noticed her food wasn't touched all day... I looked in her mouth and her k9 teeth on the left hand side BOTH top & bottom are cracked in half. The top tooth is a little worse as I can see the pulp dot in the middle. She is eating and playing as normal now. However I don't want her in pain or these teeth to get infected. I don't have a lot of money so I am calling to get a feel for how much its going to be.
July 26, 2017
0 Recommendations
The cost would be dependent on the treatment desired (extraction, correction etc…) and your location. Extraction is the easiest and cheapest way forward which would cost around $200 - $400 (very vague numbers) for extraction; other dental treatments would have to be discussed with your Veterinarian as the severity and the amount of work required may push the cost into the thousands. Call your local Veterinarian to feel out their extraction prices and other dental costs. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
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German Shepherd
Nova
6 Months
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0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Cracked Tooth
Bad Enamel
My german Shepherd puppy is 6 months old and her adult k9 teeth are coming in but 3 of them have enamel deficiency. They look like they are cracked and not smooth.. Wondering what should be done, it doesnt seem to bother her. Also could this be from other health problems cause she seems to young to have teeth issues already.
July 26, 2017
0 Recommendations
Tooth abnormalities in dogs may occur due to trauma, an infectious disease or nutritional deficiency. The severity of the condition will determine treatment options available, usually the treatment would involve smoothing the enamel and ensuring that the teeth are smooth; your Veterinarian would be able to determine the treatment required after a physical examination. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
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Tooth Fracture Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,500
Average Cost
$850
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
