Protect Your Pet’s Health: Why Treat Fractured Pet Teeth
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Just like humans, dogs and cats can experience broken or fractured teeth. What may appear minor at first could lead to significant pain and infection and even affect your pet’s overall health if not addressed. Fractured teeth can result from trauma, chewing on hard objects, or accidents, making it essential to treat dental issues promptly to ensure your pet’s well-being. In this blog, we’ll cover everything pet owners need to know about fractured teeth and why it is important to treat them.
Common Causes of Pet Tooth Fractures
- Understanding how your pet’s teeth can become fractured is key to preventing potential issues. Here are some of the most common reasons:
Chewing on Hard Objects
- Pets often enjoy gnawing on bones, antlers, or hard toys. While it may seem natural, these items can be too tough for their teeth, leading to cracks or fractures.
Accidents and Trauma
- Similar to humans, pets can suffer dental damage from falls, facial injuries, or other accidents.
Biting on Unexpected Items
- Pets may occasionally bite down on something they shouldn’t, like a rock, piece of metal, or other hard objects, causing a tooth to break.
Dental Disease
- Poor oral hygiene or conditions like periodontal disease can weaken your pet’s teeth, making them more susceptible to fractures.
How to Spot a Fractured Tooth in Your Pet?
Since pets can’t express dental pain directly, it’s important to recognize the signs of a possible tooth fracture. Keep an eye out for these indicators:
- Frequent pawing or rubbing of the mouth could mean your pet is experiencing dental discomfort.
- Pets with broken teeth may find chewing painful. If they’re eating less or favoring one side of their mouth, it’s time to investigate.
- Unusual drooling, especially if blood is present, can be a clear sign of tooth damage.
- A pet in pain may become irritable, withdrawn, or less active than usual.
If you notice any of these signs, consult your veterinarian promptly. Ignoring a fractured tooth can lead to severe pain, infection, and potentially serious health complications.
Why Treating Fractured Teeth Is Essential?
- When a pet’s tooth is fractured, the sensitive pulp inside the tooth becomes exposed. This pulp contains nerves and blood vessels, making the tooth extremely painful and highly susceptible to infection. If bacteria invade the pulp chamber, it can lead to an abscess or more serious dental issues. Left untreated, the infection can spread through your pet’s bloodstream, potentially impacting their overall health.
It’s a common misconception that fractured teeth will heal on their own. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. Professional veterinary care is necessary to address the issue and prevent further complications. Ignoring a fractured tooth not only increases your pet’s pain but may also result in more extensive and expensive treatments in the future.
How Are Fractured Teeth Treated?
- Treatment options for fractured teeth depend on the severity of the damage. Here are the most common approaches:
Dental Bonding or Crowns
- Minor fractures can often be treated with bonding or the placement of a crown. This restores the tooth’s structure and helps prevent additional damage.
Root Canal Therapy
- If the fracture exposes the tooth’s pulp, a root canal is usually required. This procedure removes the infection, seals the tooth, and preserves its function.
Tooth Extraction
- For severely damaged teeth, extraction may be the only option. While this is typically a last resort, it effectively eliminates pain and prevents future complications.
At Autumn Trails and Veterinary Center, we provide you with the best pet dental care services that keep your pets healthy and happy. We offer our veterinary services in the city of Charlottesville, VA. To book an appointment contact us at 434-971-9800.
