Unerupted canine tooth with only 0.3 mm of bone: a complex extraction in a dog
A persistent deciduous canine, a hidden permanent canine, and a high risk of mandibular fracture.
The owner presented her dog due to bad breath and tooth mobility. About 1–1.5 years earlier, the animal had already undergone a dental procedure with tooth extractions, but without dental radiography.
During the new examination, a mobile persistent deciduous canine was found, but the permanent canine was not present in its usual location. Full-mouth dental radiography showed that the permanent canine remained unerupted and was positioned within the mandible in an atypical location.
At its thinnest point, the bony bridge measured only about 0.3 mm, so the extraction required an especially precise and controlled approach.
- Dog
- Unerupted permanent canine
- Full-mouth dental radiography
- Piezosurgical extraction
- Day 7 recheck
- Presenting complaint
- Bad breath and tooth mobility.
- Prior treatment
- A dental procedure with tooth extractions about 1–1.5 years earlier, without dental radiography.
- Key finding
- Persistent deciduous canine and an unerupted permanent canine in an atypical position.
- Critical factor
- At its thinnest point, only about 0.3 mm of bone remained.
- Treatment
- Conservative surgical extraction using a piezosurgical unit.
- Follow-up
- Recheck examination on day 7.
This video contains footage from a dental surgical procedure. The content may be sensitive for some viewers.
Presenting complaint
The owner presented her dog due to bad breath and tooth mobility.
About 1–1.5 years earlier, the animal had already undergone oral cleaning and tooth extractions. However, dental radiography was not performed during the previous procedure.
What we found on initial examination
On visual examination, I found a mobile persistent deciduous canine. At the same time, the permanent canine was not present in its usual location.
The owner noted that the dog's deciduous teeth had already been extracted previously. This raised an important question: where was the permanent canine located, and had it formed properly?
This could not be answered by external examination alone.
Diagnostics during the COHAT
As part of the COHAT protocol, a complete oral examination under anesthesia, periodontal probing, assessment of every tooth, full-mouth dental radiography, and an individualized treatment plan were performed.
Dental radiographs confirmed that the mobile tooth was the deciduous canine.
The permanent canine remained unerupted and was positioned within the mandible in an atypical location.
At its thinnest point, the bony bridge measured only about 0.3 mm. This substantially increased the risk of mandibular fracture during surgery.
- Complete oral examination under anesthesia
- Periodontal probing
- Assessment of every tooth
- Full-mouth dental radiography
- Individualized treatment plan
Why extraction was indicated
In this clinical case, the unerupted permanent canine had no opportunity to erupt normally or achieve a functional position.
Surgical extraction was therefore indicated.
Unerupted teeth do not necessarily cause complications in every case. However, a dentigerous cyst can form around the crown of such a tooth.
As it enlarges, the cystic lesion can progressively destroy the surrounding bone and further weaken the jaw.
This is exactly why an unerupted tooth should not be left without clinical and radiographic evaluation.
Surgical complexity
The main risk was the extremely thin section of the mandible.
The tooth had to be sectioned and removed in a way that minimized unwanted stress on the weakened bone.
The risk of jaw fracture with this tooth position could not be eliminated entirely. At the same time, foregoing treatment could lead to further bone destruction and even more complex consequences.
Piezosurgical extraction
I used a piezosurgical unit for controlled work on the bone.
A piezotome allows precise work on mineralized tissue and controlled osteotomy near important anatomical structures.
It does not eliminate all risks and does not automatically make the surgery atraumatic. However, in this case piezosurgery helped to more precisely control access to the tooth and reduce unwanted mechanical stress on the weakened jaw.
After extraction, the surgical site was managed and the wound was closed.
Postoperative period
After surgery, the dog was prescribed an individualized pain management plan, oral and suture site care, an appropriate postoperative feeding regimen, and a recheck examination.
Recheck examination
The recheck examination was performed on day 7 after surgery.
Healing was progressing well. The dog's appetite remained good throughout the postoperative period, and treatment and recovery proceeded without complications.
The dog was doing well 🤍
Key takeaway
This case shows why a dental procedure should not be limited to removing visible deposits or teeth alone.
Without dental radiography, the unerupted permanent canine could have gone unnoticed again.
Full-mouth dental radiographs make it possible to assess:
- Tooth roots
- Bony support
- Unerupted and impacted teeth
- Hidden inflammatory or resorptive changes
- Pathology that is not visible on routine examination
Пов’язані послуги та сторінки
Потрібна стоматологічна консультація?
Під час консультації можна оцінити видимі зміни, обговорити симптоми та визначити подальший план діагностики. Остаточну тактику лікування формують після повноцінної оцінки ротової порожнини та дентальної рентгенографії за показаннями.
Every clinical case is individual. Diagnostic and treatment approaches are determined after examining the specific patient and reviewing dental radiographs.