Bark N Wag 15 Minute Vet Talk

Broken or Fractured Teeth and Treatment Options Pets with broken or fractured teeth are an extremely common presentation for veterinarians.  We see at least one case daily, and several weekly.  The large premolar and molar teeth are typically injured from chewing hard objects.  The canine (fang) and incisor teeth are frequently fractured from trauma.  In cats, it is particularly common to see fractured upper canine teeth.  For cats in general, the canine teeth are most likely to fracture from facial trauma, while fractures from chewing objects is uncommon. Teeth are fractured from chewing hard objects (see the first three photos below), from major trauma, and from less obvious trauma such as, pets fighting or playing.  The extent of the fracture helps to determine a rational treatment plan.  The extent of the fracture may be obvious, with vital (live) pulp exposure, or it may be more subtle.  The non-vital (dead) exposed pulp is often not as apparent as calculus (tartar), which may cover up the fracture site