Does it hurt when a dog breaks a tooth? Essential Tips

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Are broken teeth in dogs a problem?

Yes, fractured teeth in dogs are a problem. When the enamel is chipped exposing the dentin the affected tooth becomes sensitive to heat, cold, and pressure. It is far worse when the pulp (nerve) is exposed. The inside of the tooth fills with infected material that eventually trickles through the openings in the tip of the root into the jaw. Since the bacteria have a secure hiding place inside the root canal, the body’s immune system is unable to clear the infection, even with antibiotic treatment. In time, bacteria exiting the tooth’s apex can spread causing local tooth pain every time the dog chews, and infection in other parts of the body.

Something doesn’t look right in your dog’s mouth…

You think you see a broken dog tooth.

Or maybe, you’re noticing strange symptoms in your dog.

For example, your “never pass up a meal” Golden Retriever isn’t eating like normal. Or, you see blood on your Yorkie’s favorite stuffie.

You’re smart to look for information!

Here are answers to 6 popular questions we’re asked about fractured dog teeth, so you can help your dog feel better quickly.

What do broken teeth look like?

Sometimes the fractured tooth results in a chip of the enamel (hard mineralized surface of teeth) and dentin (bony tissue beneath the enamel), and other times the tooth so fractured that the nerve is exposed to the outside.

There are five classifications of tooth fractures in dogs:

  • Enamel fracture. A fracture with loss of crown substance confined to the enamel.
  • Uncomplicated crown fracture. A fracture of the crown that does not expose the pulp.
  • Complicated crown fracture. A fracture of the crown that exposes the pulp.
  • Uncomplicated crown-root fracture. A fracture of the crown and root that does not expose the pulp.
  • Complicated crown-root fracture. A fracture of the crown and root that exposes the pulp.
  • Root fracture. A fracture involving the root of the tooth.

    • How a vet fixes a dog’s broken tooth. Dr. Dan explains the two options for a broken tooth in a dog.

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