Treatment of Tooth Dislocation or Sudden Loss in Dogs
Avulsion, luxation, and concussion are all urgent matters and you should contact your veterinarian as soon as you are aware of the problem. Your veterinarian will either have you come in or will make a referral to a veterinary dentist.
If the tooth is concussed or luxated, keep your dog calm and quiet while you contact your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may have you realign the tooth in the socket if it is possible and safe to do so. This will protect the root from drying out and help to prevent further damage to the socket.
If the tooth is completely removed from the socket, pick the tooth up without touching the root. If there is dirt or debris present you may rinse the tooth in lukewarm water for just a few seconds, any longer than a few seconds could cause additional damage to the tooth. Do not attempt to dry the tooth off or to wrap it in paper or cloth. When it is possible, reinsertion of the tooth into the socket will best protect the roots from drying out, otherwise putting the tooth in a small amount of milk or saliva will keep the roots viable for a short time.
It is often the case that the tooth may be reinserted, but time is of the essence. Successful replantation of avulsed or luxated teeth usually has the best prognosis the more quickly it is addressed. Oral surgery under anesthesia is generally required to replace or reposition the tooth. Various wires or splints may be used to hold teeth in place while healing. If the tooth cannot safely be reinserted or repositioned, your veterinarinan will make sure to remove any damaged tooth fragments that may be in the socket and suture it closed if warranted.
Most owners, however, wont pursue tooth replacement as it is a costly and specialised procedure.
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What if my petâs tooth is loose or wiggly?
Often, loose teeth are the result of periodontal disease. This is a disorder in which inflammation and infection from dental tartar and bacteria living in the mouth wear away at the structures keeping the teeth in place. These structures include the gums (âgingivaâ), ligaments attaching the teeth to the bones (âperiodontal ligamentâ), and the bones in the skull themselves which hold the teeth (âmandibleâ and âmaxillaâ). Periodontal disease is preventable with daily teeth brushing and yearly or twice yearly dental cleanings. Over time, periodontal disease can lead to bone loss; periodontal ligament break down; and loose, diseased teeth.
Take your pet to see a veterinarian. He or she will be able to determine if the loose tooth can be saved or if it needs to be extracted/removed. In some cases, a root canal can be performed to prevent the need for a tooth extraction. Root canals can be expensive and may require a visit to a dental specialist.
Causes of Tooth Dislocation or Sudden Loss in Dogs
Sudden loss or displacement of a tooth is almost always due to trauma to the mouth area. This can be due to falls, blows to the face, disputes with other dogs, car accidents, or biting down on inappropriately hard material, such as bone, stone or metal. Infections of the teeth and gums can weaken the teeth and increase the chance that they will become displaced or broken.