Dental injuries are common but often go unnoticed, are neglected, or their consequences are underestimated. However, most dental fractures require treatment to prevent pain. Ignoring the problem is never a good option, as the tooth will become sensitive and cause discomfort to the animal.
In the case of dogs, their teeth play a crucial role in proper chewing when eating. Dental fractures in dogs can occur in various ways, but the main cause is usually trauma, chewing hard objects, or playing with solid toys, such as stones.
It is essential to remember that teeth are living tissues and therefore have blood supply and innervation. When a complicated crown fracture occurs, the dental pulp is exposed, causing pain in the animal and even a bacterial infection. When the crown fracture is uncomplicated, the dentin is exposed, so the affected tooth becomes sensitive to heat, cold, and pressure.
Complicated Crown Fracture
In cases where the dental pulp (nerve) is exposed, bacteria from the oral cavity colonize it, infecting the pulpal tissue and generating pulpitis and finally pulpal necrosis. This infection eventually affects the periapical region of the tooth, causing more serious problems, affecting structures outside the tooth such as the nasal cavity, eyes, and bone. Since bacteria find a safe haven in the root canal, the body's immune system cannot eliminate the infection, even with antibiotic treatment.
How Can I Tell if My Dog Has a Broken Tooth?
Some of the most common symptoms we usually find are:
It is very important that you pay attention to your dog's well-being, and if you observe any unusual symptoms, go to the veterinary clinic.
What Can I Do?
The first thing you should do is take your dog to the veterinary clinic for evaluation and treatment to prevent sensitivity, pain, and possible infection. In addition, you should keep in mind that these fractures can damage or irritate the mucosa if they have sharp edges.
It is recommended to avoid extracting fractured teeth whenever possible. To make the most appropriate decision, a correct examination of the affected tooth and a radiographic study of it should be performed to evaluate both the dental structures and the periodontium. The recommended treatment in the case of pulpal exposure is total pulpectomy (root canal).
Radiograph of a Root Canal
Endodontic treatment involves the removal of diseased tissue from inside the tooth. Subsequently, the root canal is cleaned, disinfected, and filled to prevent future infections and leaks. In some cases, the placement of a dental crown, either metal or tooth-colored, may be considered depending on the extent of the injury and the dog's lifestyle.
Placement of a Metal Crown
The main objective of any prosthesis is to provide greater resistance to mechanical wear, prevent future injuries, and reduce the risk of bacterial contamination in the pulp 1 canal.
