Maybe you’ve never worried about the state of your dog’s teeth (though we do hope you’ve given them a brush at least every once in a while), but did you know that both dogs and cats can have dental problems such as broken teeth?
If not…
Then this is definitely a brief article that you’re going to want to read because in this article, we going to discuss some of the issues a dog or cat may suffer from when it comes to dental fractures as well as discuss what its like as an owner to have a pet with such issues. So, with that said, let’s begin our discussion by first defining exactly what a “complicated” dental fracture is.
What are Complicated dental fractures in dogs?
A “complicated” dental fracture is a term used to describe a “severe type” of tooth fracture. Less severe dental fractures will commonly be referred to as an uncomplicated fracture and while they too may become a serious medical condition, in general, complicated dental fracture are usually the ones that can of often will develop into some major medical issues including:
- Pulp exposure,
- Damaged nerves (within the tooth),
- Trauma,
- Or perhaps something else including infections.
How will you know if your dog or cat’s tooth is fractured?
It’s possible that you may not become aware that your pet is suffering from a fractured tooth.
As you know already…
Know, your pet can’t verbally tell you what’s wrong, but he or she can give you some signs. This is why you want to always be on the lookout for any sudden “changes” in your pets appetite, particularly if these “changes” aren’t accompanied symptoms of diarrhea or vomiting.
In cases like these…
It could be possible that your pet could be suffering from something to do with his or her tooth or mandibular bone (i.e. the jaw bone). He or she might also look like they are in pain, the same way we do when we have a toothache!
Most commonly fractured teeth
In dogs, the most susceptible teeth seem to be, well, the canine teeth (that’s not meant to be a pun – it’s just the truth!) or the maxillary premolar teeth (i.e. carnassial teeth). This is also the case in cats as well, only with cats, the can also be prone to suffering from another condition know as Feline Tooth Resorption Syndrome which we describe in greater detail here in our article titled: Feline Tooth Resorption Syndrome.
What will happen if a dental fracture is left untreated?
Just like you wouldn’t treat a fractured tooth in your own mouth, you really can’t leave one “untreated” in your pet’s mouth either.
Because…
If you do, you’re not only not providing the care that your loved one really needs, it could create a how host of other problems that could be much more significant to the health and well being of both your pets and your WALLET!
Conditions that could arise if you fail to treat a fractured tooth in your pet may include:
Resorptive Lesions
This is when the gums basically start to “absorb” the teeth in a destructive manner. The lesions start at the tooth root and then work their way up to the crown. These lesions can cause a root fracture or a crown fracture. Tooth resorption isn’t typically thought to be a “dog problem” but make no mistake – your pup can have this awful thing happen too! When it happens, the dentin layer might get exposed and your dog will have a lot of pain which will definitely need to be fixed.
Infections
Infections are always a concern as well, considering the fact that the inner “workings” of your animal’s tooth is no longer protected by the protective enamel which can allow bacterial and infection to set in within the damaged tooth which can lead to all sorts of additional complications!
Treatment for a Dental Fracture in Dogs
You’ll want to do whatever you can to save your dog’s teeth, trust us. If you don’t, your dog will be on a liquid diet and as an owner that’s not only going to create a lot of work for you, but it’s also cruel to do to your loved one.
This is why…
Just like us humans, it’s important to see a dentist or in this case your veterinarian listen to what they recommend. Options that may be presented could include:
- Root canal therapy – normally for problems that occur over time,
- Endodontic treatment,
- Vital Pulpotomy – this is for newly exposed pulp (usually from sudden trauma),
- Dental Extraction (if it’s way too bad),
- Partial Pulpectomy,
- Pulp Capping.
Now it’s important to understand…
That these are all some serious procedures – most humans would cringe at the thought of having to sit in a dentist’s chair for any of them!
But besides just being…
Quite painful, they can also be pretty expensive to treat. This is because in addition to being time consuming, most dog dental work will require anesthesia, which of course will be an added expense to any procedure that needs to be performed.
Which is why…
You’ll probably be shocked at how quickly it all adds up. This is why we here at IndulgeYourPet always makes two recommendations to all of our readers anytime we talk about pet dental care.
First…
Always be sure to stay on top of your pet’s dental care. Many very expensive procedures can be avoided simply by maintaining good oral hygene which can be accomplished by providing the right type of dog food, good dental dog toys and periodic brushing.
Second…
Why considering purchasing a pet, always take a few moments and see what it might cost to purchase a pet insurance policy for him or her. And while it is true that most pet insurance policies won’t cover routine dental care treatment, some do, and most will cover your pet in the even that his or her teeth were damaged as a result of an injury.
This is why…
We would recommend that you as a pet owner take a moment and visit our Best Pet Insurance Companies and see if it might make sense for you to purchase a pet insurance policy on your little guy!
