A dental fracture involves the loss of dental tissue when it cracks or breaks. Fractures can be uncomplicated, where the injury does not reach the dental pulp and only affects the enamel and dentin, or complicated, when the pulp becomes exposed.
Dental fractures occur due to various factors, including trauma, periodontal disease, advanced caries, biting hard objects, and accidental fights or play. X-rays are necessary for an adequate assessment of the injury.
As a consequence of a complicated dental fracture, the dental pulp becomes exposed, causing pain. Treatment will require either extraction or conservative treatment through endodontics. Additionally, bacteria will colonize the canal, leading to a severe infection that exacerbates the pain.
As a result, the animal will lose its appetite and will not eat normally. Symptoms include pain, bleeding, swelling, and difficulty chewing.
Uncomplicated fractures are those in which the pulp canal is not exposed. In this case, the injury only involves the enamel or both enamel and dentin. It is important to evaluate and treat these fractures because exposed dentin leads to increased sensitivity and the potential for pulp involvement. Furthermore, these fractures can damage or irritate the mucosa if they have a sharp edge.
Treatment includes either tooth extraction or sealing the dentinal microtubules.
At IVeM, we believe that prevention is the best treatment. When it comes to dental fractures, it’s quite a challenge since many are accidental. However, maintaining proper oral hygiene is essential to prevent the worsening of any type of oral pathology and to facilitate early detection. Therefore, we recommend daily or regular brushing and annual visits to your veterinary dentistry specialist. If you trust us, we would be delighted to welcome you!
