.svg)
A broken tooth in a dog – when is a vet needed?
📞 Dental care appointment booking: 010 739 9130
📍 Sacrum Animal Hospital, Porttisuontie 13, 01200 Vantaa
Quick answer: A broken tooth can be very painful for a dog, even if the dog eats normally. If the tooth's pulp is exposed, bacteria can enter the root, and the tooth needs to be examined quickly.
Dogs can break their teeth by chewing on things like bones, hard toys, or sticks. A fracture might look small but can still be painful.
When to see a vet?
Contact a vet if any of the following apply:
- The tooth is clearly broken.
- A red or dark spot is visible in the middle of the tooth.
- The dog only chews on one side.
- The mouth smells or the gum is swollen.
- The dog shows sensitivity around its mouth.
What could be causing the symptom?
1. Exposed pulp
An exposed pulp causes pain and makes it susceptible to infection.
2. Root infection
Bacteria can travel to the root and cause a dental root abscess.
3. Minor enamel fracture
Not all fractures require the same treatment, but they should be evaluated.
What can you do at home?
- Do not give hard chew toys.
- Schedule a dental check-up with a veterinarian specializing in dentistry.
- Take a picture of the tooth if it can be done safely.
What happens at the vet?
During the initial examination, the extent of the fracture is assessed and a plan is made. Treatment may involve tooth extraction, bonding, filling, or other dental treatment as needed.
Sacrum Animal Hospital can help
If you are unsure about the severity of the symptoms, it's better to contact us than to wait too long. A professional can help assess whether it's an emergency or if an appointment can be scheduled.
📞 Dental appointments: 010 739 9130
📍 Sacrum Animal Hospital, Porttisuontie 13, 01200 Vantaa
Is your old cat losing weight or drinking a lot? Senior cats often suffer from hidden diseases. Read the veterinarian's list of the top 3 most common ailments.
Veterinary Hospital Sacrum Vantaa offers comprehensive laboratory services and ultrasound examinations. Read why finding hidden internal diseases in time is important.
Do you suspect a cruciate ligament injury in your dog? Read about the typical symptoms, examinations, and when TPLO surgery may be considered.
The cat covers the toothache to the last. Identify signs of danger: crackling, difficulty eating and bad breath. Learn more about feline tooth decay (TR).
Does cat tooth extraction scare you? Learn why TR disease requires tooth extraction and how just fine your cat is doing (and eating!) without teeth.
Do you suspect a cruciate ligament injury? Read about TPLO surgery and conservative treatment. An orthopedist explains why rest alone rarely heals a dog's knee.