Dogs can break canine teeth by chewing on a variety of objects such as rocks, ice cubes, and animal bones. Occasionally the tooth will be broken severely enough to expose the root. The exposed root is vulnerable to invading bacteria which may cause an abscess and spread to the rest of the body. To prevent tooth infection, chose the appropriate treatment by weighing the pros and cons of each procedure. Since dogs do not always show signs of discomfort when infection sets in, ignoring the broken tooth is not an acceptable option.
Treat Broken Canine Teeth with Tooth Extraction
The veterinarian may present the option of removing the entire tooth, including the root. This requires dental surgery using general anesthesia. This option is generally the least expensive costing around $350 including radiographs and intravenous fluids. Many veterinary clinics can provide this surgery and there is usually no need to see a veterinary specialist. Since the entire tooth is removed, including the root, there is no need to be concerned about future infection or damage to the tooth.
One drawback to this option depends on the location of the affected tooth. Extraction of a lower canine tooth can result in an altered appearance of the dog’s mouth. The dog’s lower lip may permanently sag on one side giving the mouth a crooked look. Further surgery may be required if the sagging bottom lip interferes with eating. There is also considerable recovery time after this procedure. Since the canine tooth is large, the extraction site will be large and prone to bleeding and infection.
Treat Broken Canine Teeth with Endodontic Therapy
If the tooth can be saved, the veterinarian may recommend a root canal, also known as endodontic therapy. This procedure is usually performed by a veterinarian that specializes in dentistry. Radiographs and general anesthesia are also required for this treatment option. During this procedure, the veterinary dentist removes dead or infected pulp tissue then replaces it with a material that prevents bacteria from entering the tooth. The veterinary dentist may recommend a crown to cover the tooth.
Endodontic therapy can be quite expensive, however. Depending on the veterinarian and the area of the country, the procedure may cost $500 to $1500. If the owner chooses to have a crown put on the tooth, the cost may double. Crown therapy usually involves covering a tooth with a strong metal such as titanium. While a crown made of porcelain may more closely restore the tooth to its previous appearance, it is not as strong as a crown made of metal. Frequently a porcelain crown becomes damaged over time, requiring replacement to prevent re-fracture of the tooth.
Treatment of Broken Dog Teeth Preferable to No Treatment
Choosing to treat a broken tooth requires time and money on the part of the owner. However, having one of the procedures done is recommended over having nothing done. Broken dog teeth with the root exposed can lead to tooth pain and tooth infection. The infection can spread throughout the dog’s body affecting organs such as the liver and heart.
Dogs can live for many healthy, happy years after either procedure is performed. The best procedure for the dog depends mostly on the owner’s financial situation and the importance of the affected tooth. Appearance and functionality of the tooth can be important considerations for show dogs and working dogs but not as crucial for the family pet.
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