A tooth root abscess in dogs is a painful infection that occurs when bacteria sneak into the root canal of a tooth. A dog tooth abscess can be incredibly painful, but dogs are really good at hiding that pain, which is why it’s important to pay attention to your dog’s habits.
Left untreated, a dog tooth abscess won’t just go away. It can worsen, eventually burst, and spread infection to other parts of your dog’s body. That’s why early detection and treatment are essential.
In this article, we’ll explore the causes and symptoms of a tooth abscess, how your vet will diagnose it, the available treatment options, and what you can do to help prevent them from happening in the first place.
What causes a dog tooth abscess?
A dog tooth abscess can be painful and needs veterinary attention. Here are some of the most common causes:
Broken or fractured teeth
Trauma is a common cause of broken or fractured teeth. According to the American Veterinary Dental College, “The most common cause of a broken or cracked tooth is a traumatic injury.”
Slab fractures, particularly of the upper carnassial tooth (the fourth premolar), are a significant risk for dogs. Studies show that traumatic dental injuries affect one in four pets, and tooth fractures account for nearly 50% of those injuries.
Periodontal disease
Severe periodontal disease can also lead to the formation of an abscess. If your dog has weakened or damaged gums due to gum disease, bacteria can enter the root canal and cause an infection.
Foreign objects
Sometimes, a foreign object lodged in your dog’s gums can cause an infection and eventually an abscess. Food particles can also contribute to bacterial growth and infection if they get stuck in the gums.
How to Recognize a Dog Tooth Abscess
Dogs are masters at hiding pain, especially dental pain. You may not realize there’s a problem until the abscess is advanced.
Here are some signs to watch out for:
General Pain Indicators:
- Decreased appetite
- Chewing food only on one side of the mouth
- Pawing at their mouth or face
- Refusing to eat
Observable Physical Symptoms:
- Swelling under the eye, chin, or jaw (One vet said, “As soon as I heard that my next appointment was here for ‘swelling beneath the eye,’ I had a strong suspicion that I was going to end up diagnosing my patient with a tooth root abscess.”)
- Red gums
- Really bad breath (halitosis)
- Drooling more than usual
- Bleeding gums
Behavioral Changes:
- Irritability or aggression if you touch their mouth
- Acting tired or not wanting to play
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to take your dog to the vet right away.
Diagnosing a tooth root abscess
If you suspect your dog has a tooth root abscess, your veterinarian will perform a thorough examination. This usually involves:
- Physical exam: The vet will look inside your dog’s mouth for swelling, redness, and pus.
- Dental X-rays: X-rays are the most important tool to diagnose a tooth root abscess. They show how far the infection has spread and if there’s been any bone loss.
The X-rays also help your veterinarian figure out exactly which tooth is causing the problem and whether the infection has spread to nearby teeth.
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR A DOG TOOTH ABSCESS
There are typically two routes your vet will take when treating a tooth abscess: removing the tooth entirely or performing a root canal to try to save the tooth.
Tooth Extraction
The simpler of the two options is extraction. The vet will remove the infected tooth, clean out the socket, and then stitch the gums closed.
Extraction is often the more cost-effective choice, but it does mean your dog will lose the tooth. Depending on the tooth and its location, this may or may not cause any issues with eating or chewing.
Root Canal Therapy
A root canal is a more involved procedure, but it allows your dog to keep the tooth. In this procedure, the vet (or a veterinary dentist, in most cases) will remove the infected pulp from the tooth, fill the space with a special dental material, and then restore the crown of the tooth.
The success of a root canal depends on the health of the tissues surrounding the tooth. If those tissues are too damaged, a root canal may not be an option.
Post-Treatment Care (Applicable to Both)
Regardless of whether your dog has a tooth extracted or undergoes root canal therapy, they’ll likely need some post-treatment care.
This usually includes:
- Antibiotics to knock out any lingering infection.
- Pain medication (analgesics) to keep them comfortable.
- A diet of soft food while the area heals.
Your vet will give you specific instructions based on your dog’s individual needs, so be sure to follow those closely.
What about the cost and recovery?
Understandably, dog parents have concerns about pain, recovery, and the expense of treating a tooth abscess. Here’s some information to consider:
Chewing After Extraction
Dogs do surprisingly well eating with fewer teeth. Many dogs hide pain so well that owners often don’t realize how much better their dog feels after the procedure. As one vet put it, “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard dog parents say, ‘My dog is acting like a puppy again!’ during a visit following a tooth extraction.”
Cost
The cost varies based on location, the vet’s experience, and the complexity of the case. Here’s a general range:
- Extraction: $500-$2,500
- Root canal: $1,500-$3,000 (sometimes $6,000+)
Anesthesia
Anesthesia is required for any dental procedure. Your vet will want to run bloodwork and take X-rays before putting your dog under. This pre-anesthetic evaluation is essential for your dog’s safety.
Prevention is key: Maintaining your dog’s dental health
The best way to avoid a tooth abscess is to take good care of your dog’s teeth. Here’s how:
Regular Dental Checkups
Annual dental checkups are essential for your dog’s health. During these visits, your veterinarian can spot early signs of dental problems, often before they become painful or severe. They can also perform professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup that you might miss at home.
Home Dental Care
Ideally, you should brush your dog’s teeth daily. Use toothpaste made specifically for dogs, as human toothpaste can be harmful. If daily brushing isn’t feasible, aim for at least a few times a week. Also, consider dental diets formulated to reduce plaque and tartar.
Appropriate Chew Toys
Choose chew toys carefully. Avoid extremely hard toys that can fracture your dog’s teeth. Look for toys approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), which means they’ve been tested and proven effective in promoting dental health.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you treat an abscess on a dog’s tooth?
Treating a tooth abscess in dogs typically involves a multi-pronged approach. First, a vet will likely drain the abscess to relieve pressure and remove infected material. They’ll then thoroughly clean the area. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to combat the infection. Finally, the underlying dental issue, like a fractured or severely infected tooth, needs to be addressed, often by extraction.
Is a tooth root abscess in a dog an emergency?
Yes, a tooth root abscess in a dog should be considered an urgent matter and requires prompt veterinary attention. While it might not always be a life-or-death emergency, the infection can spread, causing significant pain, systemic illness, and potentially affecting other organs. The sooner it’s addressed, the better the outcome for your dog.
How to tell if a dog’s tooth is abscessed?
Signs of a tooth abscess in dogs can vary, but common indicators include facial swelling (especially under the eye), pain when eating or touching the face, reluctance to eat hard food, excessive drooling, bad breath, and pawing at the mouth. You might also notice a visible draining tract (a small hole) on the gums or skin near the affected tooth. If you observe any of these symptoms, schedule a vet appointment immediately.
Summary
A tooth root abscess is painful and can lead to serious health problems for your dog if you don’t recognize it and get it treated quickly. If your dog has a tooth abscess, bacteria from the infection can spread to other parts of the body, causing organ damage and even sepsis.
To prevent a tooth abscess, start by taking your dog for regular dental checkups and cleanings. Daily tooth brushing can also help prevent a tooth abscess. Finally, make sure your dog only has appropriate chew toys that are unlikely to damage the teeth or gums.
If you think your dog might have a tooth abscess, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian right away. The sooner you get a diagnosis and start treatment, the better your dog’s chance of a full recovery.