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Fractured Teeth
Fractured teeth are common in dogs and cats from trauma, fights, or chewing hard objects. If the inner pulp is exposed, the tooth requires treatment to prevent infection and abscess.
Key Facts
- Caused by chewing hard objects (bones, antlers, hooves, nylon toys), fights, or accidents
- Signs: chewing on one side, dropping food, pawing at mouth, facial swelling below eye
- Many pets do NOT show obvious signs of discomfort
- Minor chips without pulp exposure can be monitored with yearly X-rays
- Exposed pulp requires root canal therapy or extraction
- Canine teeth (fangs) are most commonly fractured in cats from fights
- Thumbnail test: if you cannot dent a chew toy with your thumbnail, it can break teeth
- Root canal therapy is performed by board-certified veterinary dentists
- Prognosis is good after proper treatment
- Species: dogs and cats