Traumatic Tooth Injury in Dogs

Tooth fractures refer to tooth injuries involving damage to the enamel, dentin and cement. These injuries occur either on the enamel-covered top portion of the tooth (the crown) or the part below the gum line (the root).

Both dogs and cats are susceptible to traumatic tooth injuries. If you would like to learn more about how this condition affects cats, please visit this page in the PetMD health library.

Symptoms and Types

The most common complication involving a tooth fracture is inflammation and infection. In some instances, the tooth's crown may be missing; blood or pink tissue may also be present on or around the affected area. Otherwise, dogs with root fractures display constant discomfort and pain.

Causes

The most common cause of a tooth fracture is a traumatic event or injury. A tooth may be broken, for instance, by chewing on a hard object, a blunt force trauma to the face, or a minor automobile collision.

Diagnosis

To review the full extent of the tooth fracture, your veterinarian will take X-rays of the dog's mouth. A full oral examination will be completed, as well, to review the overall oral health of your dog.