Dental Emergencies in Pets: Should You Worry About Broken Teeth?

A sudden yelp during play or an unexpected crunch on a bone can leave your pet with a chipped or fractured tooth. While it might seem minor, dental injuries can quickly turn into painful emergencies. The tricky part is knowing when to watch and when to act. At Fountain Valley Emergency Pet Hospital, our team provides evening, weekend, and holiday coverage to handle urgent dental problems right away –  relieving pain, preventing infection, and protecting long-term oral health.

Understanding Dental Emergencies in Pets

What Causes Broken Teeth in Pets

Dental emergencies often happen during normal pet activities. Dogs may fracture teeth by chewing on hard items like antlers, nylon bones, or rocks. Cats sometimes break teeth during falls or scuffles. Even a tossed toy or a sudden collision can cause trauma. Many pet owners are surprised by the potential dangers of popular dog chews, which may seem safe but are too hard for healthy chewing.

The general rule of thumb: if you wouldn’t want to bite it yourself, your pet shouldn’t either. Unfortunately, once a tooth cracks, the sensitive pulp inside may be exposed, creating a direct route for bacteria and infection.

When Is a Broken Tooth an Emergency

A chipped tooth might not look serious, but appearance alone doesn’t reveal the full story. The urgency depends on how deep the damage goes and which tooth is involved. A fracture that exposes the pink or red pulp is painful and always an emergency. Left untreated, bacteria can infect the root- causing deep infection and abscesses.

Pets don’t always cry out or stop eating when in pain –  they may simply chew on the other side or swallow food whole. Because dental pain often goes unnoticed, any tooth fracture should be examined as soon as possible. Urgent care allows veterinarians to relieve pain, prevent infection, and determine whether the tooth can be saved or must be extracted.

Types of Tooth Fractures and Why They Matter

Not all breaks are equal. Understanding the type of fracture helps determine how urgent the situation is and what treatment is needed.

1. Enamel Chip or “Tip” Fracture

Small cracks or chips in the enamel are usually cosmetic, with no pulp exposure. These may cause mild sensitivity but aren’t typically emergencies. However, bacteria can enter through microfractures, so your vet may smooth or seal the area to prevent decay.

2. Uncomplicated Crown Fracture

A larger break exposing the dentin (the layer beneath the enamel) but not the pulp may cause discomfort and sensitivity. Treatment may include smoothing sharp edges or extraction if the fracture runs deep or causes persistent pain.

3. Complicated Crown Fracture

These breaks extend into the pulp chamber, exposing nerves and blood vessels. This is an emergency –  it’s painful and carries a high risk of infection and abscess formation. These cases require pain relief, antibiotics, and follow-up with your regular vet or a dental specialist for extraction.

4. Root Fracture

When a tooth breaks below the gum line, it’s often invisible without dental imaging. Root fractures are very painful and require extraction to prevent chronic infection. Although our hospital doesn’t provide full dental radiographs, X-rays at your regular or specialty vet can help confirm the diagnosis.

5. Slab Fracture

Common in upper fourth premolars (the big chewing teeth in dogs), slab fractures occur when a section of enamel and dentin peels off the tooth, sometimes exposing the pulp. Because these teeth are crucial for chewing, treatment is urgent to relieve pain and prevent infection.

Tooth-Specific Considerations

The urgency and best treatment vary depending on which tooth is affected:

  • Incisors (front teeth): These small teeth are mostly cosmetic. Minor chips can be monitored, but if the pulp is exposed, extraction is typically recommended.
  • Canines (“fang” teeth): Long, deeply rooted, and essential for eating and gripping. Fractured canines are always emergencies. Exposed pulp can lead to sinus infections or abscesses.
  • Premolars: Smaller premolars are less critical for chewing but still painful if fractured. Extraction is common for severe cases.
  • Fourth Upper Premolar (Carnassial Tooth): This large chewing tooth is prone to slab fractures and facial swelling- sometimes behind the eye, called retrobulbar abscesses. Pets may drool or refuse crunchy food.
  • Molars: Large back teeth often fracture unnoticed but can cause chronic infection if left untreated. Your vet may recommend imaging and extraction.

Treatment Options for Fractured Teeth

Once your pet is evaluated, our team focuses on three main goals: relieving pain, preventing infection, and guiding the next steps for long-term care.

1. Pain Relief and Infection Control

The first priority is to make your pet comfortable. We use safe, effective pain medications and, when indicated, antibiotics to control infection or prevent it from spreading. This immediate care stabilizes your pet while determining the best next steps.

2. Evaluation of Tooth Damage

Our veterinarians carefully assess whether the tooth’s pulp (the inner nerve and blood supply) or root is exposed.

  • If the pulp is exposed: The tooth is considered nonviable and will require extraction or advanced dental care.
  • If only the enamel or dentin is damaged: The tooth may not be an emergency, but follow-up is still recommended for possible sealing or monitoring.

3. Extraction When Appropriate

For teeth that are too painful or damaged to save, our veterinarians may recommend extraction to remove the source of discomfort and infection risk. Some extractions can be performed during your visit; others may be best handled by your family veterinarian once your pet is stable.

4. Referral for Advanced Dental Care

In certain cases, a dental specialist may offer restorative options such as root canal therapy or more advanced repair techniques. We’ll guide you on whether referral is needed and how urgently it should happen.

5. Follow-Up and Monitoring

Even small fractures can worsen over time. We’ll help you schedule follow-up care and provide clear instructions on what to watch for –  swelling, drooling, or reluctance to chew –  so you can act quickly if symptoms return.

What to Expect During Urgent Dental Care

When you arrive at Fountain Valley Emergency Pet Hospital, our team will perform a thorough oral exam to evaluate the tooth, surrounding gum tissue, and pain level. Dental imaging may be recommended through your regular or referral veterinarian if deeper damage is suspected. Pain control is provided immediately using safe, pet-specific medications and local nerve blocks.

Our goal is to relieve pain quickly, reduce infection risk, and give you a clear plan for the next step in care.

Preventing Dental Emergencies

The best way to avoid fractured teeth is prevention. Choose chews and toys that pass the “fingernail test” –  if you can’t press your thumbnail into it, it’s too hard. Avoid antlers, bones, and hard nylon toys. Schedule regular wellness exams to check for wear or cracks before they become emergencies.

For safe at-home care, look for products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council, which tests dental products for safety and effectiveness.

Emergency Dental Care at Fountain Valley Emergency Pet Hospital

Our comprehensive emergency services include surgical capabilities, compassionate care, and a team trained to handle urgent dental cases. Whether your pet’s tooth is chipped, fractured, or infected, we’re here nights, weekends, and holidays to relieve pain and restore comfort.

Dental injuries can’t wait. If your pet has a broken tooth, swelling, bleeding, or sudden difficulty eating, contact Fountain Valley Emergency Pet Hospital immediately at (562) 554-4700 or reach us online. Quick action protects your pet’s comfort, health, and quality of life-  one tooth at a time.