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Boca y dientes

Dental fracture

A broken tooth. Common, especially in the canines and the molars. If the fracture exposes the pulp (the "nerve"), it is painful and becomes infected.

Moderate🐕 Dogs🐈 Cats

Symptoms to watch for

  • • A visibly broken or chipped tooth
  • • Chewing on one side only, dropping food
  • • Pain when the area is touched
  • • Bad breath if the tooth becomes infected
  • • Sometimes facial swelling (abscess)
  • • Many animals hide the pain

Causes

Biting hard objects (bones, stones, antlers, very hard toys), trauma, fights, accidents.

Diagnosis

Examination of the mouth plus dental X-rays to assess the root and whether the pulp is exposed.

Treatment

Depending on the case: extraction of the tooth or root canal treatment (endodontics) to save it. A fractured tooth with an exposed pulp ALWAYS needs treatment — it will not heal on its own.

Prevention

Avoid giving objects that are too hard to chew (bones, antlers, toys that do not flex). Rule: if you cannot dent the object with your fingernail, it is too hard.

When should you see the vet?

See your vet if you notice a broken tooth. Even if the animal "eats well", a fractured tooth with an exposed pulp is painful and becomes infected.

Consult a vet

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.

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