Tooth Fractures in Dogs

Tooth fractures are a common problem in both dogs and cats. There are several different causes for tooth fractures, they can be caused by playing or fighting with other animals, chewing on hard objects such as bones, antlers, nylabones or from other traumatic injuries.

In the core of every tooth there is a tissue called dental pulp, which is where the veins, arteries and nerves are found. When a tooth is fractured, the most important question is whether or not the pulp has been exposed to the environment. When the pulp of a tooth is exposed over time that the tooth will become non-vital (dead) and the space inside the tooth where the pulp was will become infected.

Over time, bacteria will leach out through the tip of the tooth root and can cause abscesses in the soft tissue, which are exceptionally painful.

If a fractured tooth has pulp exposure, it will either need a dental extraction or a root canal treatment, but simply monitoring the tooth is not appropriate.

If a tooth fracture does not expose the pulp, the process of infection can still happen, but is much less common. It is important to take x-rays of these teeth to ensure that they are healthy, but if they appear healthy, smoothing the sharp edges and applying a dental sealant may be all that's required.

Either way, all broken teeth should have an exam under anesthesia and dental x rays performed.