Symptom
A broken tooth in a dog or cat
Even a small chip can damage the inner tissues of the tooth and cause pain. Exposed dentine or pulp becomes a gateway for infection — many teeth can be saved when indicated after diagnostics.
Most common possible causes
- —Chewing hard objects
- —Trauma
- —Enamel structural defects
When not to postpone an exam
- ✓The inner part of the tooth is visible
- ✓Swelling or pain on touch
- ✓Refusal of hard food
Urgent help needed
- ✓Active bleeding that will not stop
- ✓Significant muzzle or jaw trauma
- ✓Difficulty breathing
- ✓A sudden deterioration in condition
What not to do at home
- —Do not delay an exam only because the pet is still eating
- —Do not give human painkillers
- —Do not allow chewing hard objects until examination
What diagnostics may be needed
- ✓Clinical examination
- ✓Dental radiography of the root
Only the crown is visible from the outside. The condition of the pulp and bone is determined on dental radiographs.
How treatment may proceed
- ✓Vital pulp therapy when indicated
- ✓Root canal treatment
- ✓Extraction when indicated
Related services
Related clinical case
A saved broken tooth in a Jack Russell Terrier
View the tooth-preservation case →Similar symptoms
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