Common Pet Dental Problems
Pet cavities
Missing teeth and/or
impacted teeth
Retained baby teeth
Tooth resorption
Worn teeth
Oral infection
Oral tumors
Extra teeth
Red and inflamed gums
Crowding
Feline resorption lesions
Exposed roots
Broken jaw
Enamel hypoplasia or hypocalcification
Base narrow canines
Gum overgrowth
Gum recession
Sneaky cancer
Chewing tooth slab fracture
Chewing tooth slab fracture revealed
Painful and infected open nerve fracture of canine tooth
Chewing tooth slab fracture
Fractured / broken teeth are most commonly caused by trauma, but also occur when teeth are weakened by dental diseases such as tooth resorptions, cavities, and enamel hypoplasia. Fractured teeth can be difficult to identify without a detailed oral examination or when calculus and plaque are present. Also dental x-rays are necessary to identify root fractures that occur beneath the gumline. Fractured teeth are dental emergencies and a source of pain and infection even though the patient may not show it. Treatment options are conditioned on the cause and the extent of the fracture. Dr. Jon is available to consult with veterinarians and pet parents alike concerning treatment options specific to your patient or pet.
How to identify disease:
Pets are very different from people in regards to oral pain and infection. Oral pain in people can be debilitating. The vast majority of pets do not let their owners know that they have dental infection, pain, or other diseases of the oral cavity. Many pets will continue to eat and happily interact with you despite oral pain and infection. This is a wild defensive mechanism deeply rooted in their behavior. In short, many pets endure the pain in silence. Pets should have regular oral examinations and if any gum redness (inflammation), abnormal bumps, bad breath, or loose or discolored teeth are present, the cause should be identified and treated. Studies show that up to 85% of pet dogs and cats have dental disease that needs care.