[my65289stang]

Hi guys this is my first post here, just started looking around a bit. We have a female german short hair who is about 15 months (jade) and a male 11 month old golden (duke).

Our golden somehow broke off about the top 1/3 of one of his canine teeth. We don't know how long ago for sure he broke the tooth but it is not bleeding and doesn't seem to be bothering him (I know that doesn't necessarily mean it doesnt hurt). You can see what we think is the nerve ending where the tooth is broken which makes me wonder if its pretty painful for him.

We have a vet appointment tomorrow morning but wanted to see if anyone had any information before we head to the vet. A different vet near the house mentioned a possible root canal but she hadnt seen the dog. I cant imagine what that would cost for a dog root canal, any guesses? If that is what he needs then we will go that route but we hope not to put him (or our wallets ) through that

Thanks for any info

 

[Erick Aguilar]

Broken (fractured) teeth are a very common occurrence in dogs and cats. They can break due to trauma (hit by a car, ball, or rock) or due to chewing on hard objects. Any tooth can break, however some teeth are fractured more than others. The most common teeth that are broken are the canine (fang) teeth in the dog and the cat, and the upper fourth premolar (large tooth on the top in the back) in dogs.

After the tooth is fractured, bacteria from the mouth will gain access to the pulp (root canal) and infect the tooth. Eventually, the tooth will die and become a bacterial haven. The bacteria will then leak out through the apex (or bottom) of the tooth, and infect the bone in that area. Eventually, the bacterial byproducts and white blood cell enzymes will cause bone destruction around the root tip. Next, the blood vessels in the area will pick up the bacteria and spread it to other areas of the body. Most specifically, to the liver and kidneys which filter the blood, and possibly to the heart valves. They will form micro-abscesses on the organs, and over time will decrease the efficiency of these vital organs.

These infected teeth are painful, as anyone who has needed a root canal can testify to. Unfortunately, only very rarely will our animal patients show discomfort, as they prefer to suffer in silence, but you already said you are taking your dog to the vet, so he will either have his tooth removed, or he will fill the broken tooth.

Best of luck!

 

[my65289stang]

Thank you for the very informative reply. As you mentioned he probably is masking the pain, hopefully it is not too bad for him. I also hope they dont have to put him under, I felt so bad for our german short hair when she came home all doped up from getting fixed

 

[BobSD]

Actually the cuspid is one of the strongest teeth in a dogs mouth. How much of the exposed tooth broke, is it fifty percent or more?? Do you actually see the center of the tooth and root canal? In some cases the root canal may recede and a layer of protective dentin will form and the tooth will not die. But the tooth may have to be reshaped to help in mastication. At any rate have a vet take a look.

 

[ladyshadowhollyjc]

Okay, not any help at all, but my parents' own a dental lab, where they make teeth for people. A while back they had a vet call and asked them to make a tooth for a dog. Hehe it was really cool actually.
Not quite sure WHY they need a new tooth for the dog, though.
Sorry, I know that was of no help whatsoever, but I just love the fact that we go to help make a dog's teeth and I share the story whenever I find the topic of dog teeth.

Good luck with your vet trip, hopefully it's an easy fix.