Many pets fracture a tooth at some point in their lives, and because they are so stoic, they often keep eating and playing as if nothing has happened. But fractured teeth are painful, and without treatment they can lead to infection, abscesses and long-term dental disease.
Why Do Tooth Fractures Occur?
One of the most common reasons we see fractured teeth is chewing bones. Many owners offer bones believing they help “clean” teeth. Unfortunately, bones are far harder than a dog’s enamel and easily crack teeth. Broken teeth are one of the most common complications of bone chewing. Bones can also cause mouth injuries, infections, choking and internal damage. Instead of protecting your dog’s dental health, they frequently do the opposite.
Other causes of fractured teeth include:
- Chewing antlers, rocks, sticks or hard nylon toys
- High-impact traumas such as falls or collisions
- Rough play with other dogs
- Biting hard objects like metal crates
- Fetching hard balls or stones
A good rule to remember: If you cannot indent a chew with your fingernail, it is too hard for your dog’s teeth.
A Better Alternative to Bones
For safe dental care, we recommend using veterinary dental chews that are specifically designed to match a dog’s and cat's natural bite force. These products are softer than teeth, allowing chewing without creating fractures, while still helping reduce plaque build-up.
What Happens When a Tooth Fractures?
Some fractures look like small chips. Others expose the inner layers of the tooth, including the nerve (pulp). Even a fracture that looks minor from the outside can be incredibly painful.
Types of fractures include:
- Only the enamel (minor)
- The dentine layer (painful)
- The pulp cavity (very painful and quickly infected)
- A large “slab” of tooth breaking away
- Fractures below the gumline that require X-rays to diagnose
If a Fractured Tooth Is Left Untreated
A fractured tooth never heals on its own. Once the dentine or pulp is exposed, bacteria enter the tooth and infection is inevitable.
Untreated fractures lead to:
- Ongoing Pain - Even if your dog hides it, exposed dentine and pulp are extremely sensitive to cold, air and pressure.
- Tooth infection - Bacteria travel through the fracture into the root canal system.
- Tooth root abscess - These often cause painful facial swelling or an open draining tract.
- Bone damage - Chronic infection erodes the bone around the tooth root.
- Systemic effects - Long-term dental infections can affect other organs, such as the kidneys or heart.
Even minor fractures can become serious problems. Early treatment prevents long-term complications.
Fractured Teeth in Puppies and Kittens (Primary Teeth)
Puppies and Kittens have very thin-walled baby teeth with large pulp chambers. When they fracture, infection occurs rapidly and can become serious quickly. The consequences of leaving a fractured puppy tooth untreated are significant.
If a fractured primary tooth is not treated, it can cause:
- Severe pain
- Tooth root abscesses and facial swelling
- Draining tracts in the gums or skin
- Damage to the developing adult tooth beneath
- Permanent enamel defects in the adult tooth
- Misalignment of the adult teeth
- Delayed or failed shedding of the baby tooth
- Rare cases of tetanus associated with infected primary teeth
For these reasons, fractured primary teeth must be extracted promptly and completely. Baby teeth are not “just going to fall out anyway” when infection is present — they can cause months of preventable pain.
How We Diagnose a Fractured Tooth
Diagnosis involves:
- Thorough oral examination
- Intraoral dental radiographs to assess the extent of damage
- Evaluation of the pulp, root, and surrounding bone
- Full-mouth assessment for additional fractures or periodontal disease
Dental X-rays are essential. Without them, it is impossible to determine the full extent of damage.
How We Treat Fractured Teeth
The appropriate treatment depends on the type of fracture and whether the pulp is exposed.
- Extraction - This is the most common and reliable treatment. Extraction removes the pain, prevents infection, and restores comfort quickly. Dogs manage extremely well without the affected tooth.
- Root Canal Therapy - In select cases (especially canine or carnassial teeth), root canal therapy may be performed by a specialist. This preserves the tooth while removing infection and pain. Not all fractures are suitable for this procedure and referral to a Specialist Veterinary Dentist is essential.
- Bonded Sealants - For very superficial fractures where the pulp is not exposed, a bonded sealant may be used to protect the tooth and prevent sensitivity. This is only an option for minor injuries.
Helping Your Pet Recover
After treatment:
- Most pets return to normal comfort quickly
- Pain relief is provided
- Antibiotics may be prescribed if infection is present
- Soft food may be recommended for a few days
- A follow-up check ensures proper healing
Preventing Tooth Fractures
To reduce the risk of fractured teeth:
- Avoid bones, antlers, rocks, sticks, and hard nylon toys
- Choose dental chews approved by veterinary dental organisations
- Provide safe chew toys that bend under pressure
- Schedule regular dental checks, especially in breeds prone to dental disease
If you cannot indent a chew with your fingernail, it is too hard for your pet's teeth.
If You Think Your Dog or Cat Has Fractured a Tooth
Please contact McLaren Vale Veterinary Surgery as soon as possible. Early treatment prevents pain, infection, and more complex dental problems.
We are here to help restore your pet’s comfort and protect their long-term oral health.