First steps at home
Calmly look inside the mouth if the dog allows it. Remove hard toys, bones and antlers. Contact the dentist as soon as possible — especially if a pink pulp is visible.
- Remove hard objects
- Do not brush the damaged area
- Book an examination — do not wait for weeks
Exposed pulp — urgent
If you can see a pink spot in the broken tooth, the pulp is exposed. Bacterial contamination can quickly lead to pulpitis and further complications, even if the dog behaves “normally”. An abscess under the eye is possible.
Possible treatment options
Restoring the tooth (a filling) — for a chip without damage to the pulp. Root canal treatment — for a damaged pulp with an intact root. Extraction — for a fractured root or an untreatable infection. The decision comes after dental X-rays.
Why a dog may keep eating with a broken canine
Dogs hide pain. The owner sees that the tooth is “just a little chipped” and waits. But an exposed pulp is painful, and the infection progresses unnoticed.
How to avoid another injury
Remove hard chew items — deer antlers, stones, hard bones. See the article on dangerous chew items.
Plan of action
An examination within a few days — sooner if the pulp is exposed. Dental X-rays. A treatment plan. Do not give human painkillers without the vet's advice.
When to see a vet
- Any canine fracture — an examination within a few days is advisable
- A pink pulp is visible or the tooth has darkened
- Swelling has appeared on the face or under the eye
- The dog avoids hard food or tries to eat or chew on one side only
- Bleeding from the mouth
- The dog rubs its face on the floor
- More than a week has passed without treatment — risk of infection
- An assessment is needed: preserve or extract
What not to do at home
- Do not wait for it to “pass by itself”
- Do not give bones or hard toys
- Do not treat with antibiotics unless prescribed
- Do not give human painkillers
- Do not decide on the approach without dental X-rays
Frequently asked questions
In selected cases the tooth can be preserved, if the state of the pulp, the root and the periodontal support allows it. Dental radiography and clinical assessment determine the approach.
With an exposed pulp — yes. Dogs often do not show pain openly.
The sooner the better. With an exposed pulp — days, not weeks.
Yes, infection of the root of an upper canine can cause swelling under the eye.
Rebuilding the shape of the tooth. More in the article on restoration in dogs.
Sources and professional guidelines
- WSAVA Global Dental GuidelinesGlobal guidelines for veterinary dentistry
- AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and CatsClinical guidelines for dental care
- AVDC NomenclatureAVDC nomenclature and terminology
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