Article Summary
- Dogs can fracture their teeth by being hit with something by accident or by chewing on something hard, like a bone or antler.
- A fractured dog tooth is likely not an emergency, but it very likely requires professional treatment to prevent infection.
- Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit offers affordable dental treatment near you for a fractured dog tooth.
When a dog fractures a tooth, it can not only be unpleasant in the moment, it could have longer-term implications for the dog’s health and comfort, not to mention how it could impact a dog’s modeling career.
All kidding aside, fractured teeth in dogs often require professional treatment.
Is A Broken Dog Tooth An Emergency?
Dogs can suffer a fractured tooth in several ways. It could be the result of trauma, like an accident or being hit in the mouth by something, or it could happen after chewing on something hard, like antlers or hard bones.
While it’s good to understand how a dog tooth can become fractured, it’s more important to know how to respond. A dog with a fractured tooth will very likely be uncomfortable and they’ll make that known by chewing on only one side of the mouth, drooling excessively, pawing at the mouth, refusing to eat hard food or chew on hard toys, or by experiencing facial swelling.
A fractured tooth in dogs can take on varying degrees of severity, whether the fracture chips away enamel or goes as deep as to expose the nerve. Depending on the severity of the fracture, a dog’s fractured tooth can become sensitive to hot and cold, as well as pressure, and it can offer a breeding ground of harmful bacteria.
Those bacteria can lead to dangerous infections that antibiotics might not be able to fight. So, while a fractured tooth may not always be an emergency, it is a problem that needs to be handled.
Broken Dog Tooth Treatment
Dogs do have options when it comes to determining how to remedy a fractured tooth, but those options are generally pretty limited. If a nerve is exposed, a dog can undergo a root canal or a veterinary professional might recommend an extraction.
If the fracture does not expose the root of the tooth, it could be repaired without a root canal. Ultimately, the overall goal of any procedure for a broken dog tooth is to return the tooth to being pain free.
And since every procedure comes with a cost, it’s important for dog owners to discuss options with a veterinary professional alongside the fees associated with each procedure. At Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit, we are committed to offering affordable surgical care for pet owners, with an appreciation for the idea that pet ownership shouldn’t be a financial hardship.
Sydney Patrick appreciated that when her husky recently broke his tooth.
“I panicked — seeing rates online to treat him up to $6,000. I alone have spent thousands just for vaccines and bloodwork, so surgery seemed out of the picture,” she said. “Thankfully, I found Dr. Kelly’s and they took such amazing care of him, and what’s more, were a fraction of the price. My boy came home happy (a little drunk haha!) and more importantly healthy. I am so thankful to this team and cannot recommend them more!”
Low-Cost Dog Dental Care
At Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit, we only focus on surgical procedures, which includes extractions when they are needed to treat a dog’s fractured tooth. By specializing in surgical procedures, we’re able to keep costs down for dog owners as compared to a typical veterinary clinic.
When it comes to the costs associated with an extraction or fractured tooth treatment, it can vary and an examination is needed to make a proper determination. Other factors that may influence the cost could include where the tooth is located and how difficult an extraction might be.
As a curveball, sometimes dogs are pretty skilled at hiding pain. That means fractured teeth might go unnoticed for some time, giving even more weight to regular dental cleanings for dogs. During those cleanings, Dr. Kelly’s surgical specialists are able to identify any problems that have gone unnoticed, including fractured teeth.
If your dog is suffering from a fractured tooth, or if they need a cleaning, reach out to our team to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit is a trusted veterinary team serving the Phoenix, Peoria, East Mesa, Queen Creek and Tucson metro areas, with accessible locations in each market, offering highly specialized surgery, quality spay and neuter procedures, and accessible dental care for pets. Contact us to learn more about our specialized services or to schedule an appointment.
