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