Pets
What to do if Your Cat Breaks a Tooth
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Teeth mismatching in length on either side of the jaw likely signifies a fracture. Additonally, if a tooth is displaying discoloration, such as a pink, black or brown tip, your cat may indeed have dental issues in need of addressing.
A trip to the vet is vital if you suspect or spot a cracked or snapped tooth as not only can breaks be terrifically painful, they can also lead to serious health issues if infection sets in. Don’t wait for serious symptoms to develop – any tooth breakage is serious automatically and requires treatment.
Lack of treatment will allow bacteria to seep into the sensitive pulp beneath the enamel casing of a broken tooth. This will cause the tooth to die, and the area to become a bacterial haven which gradually leaks out through the bottom of the tooth and attacks the jawbone. Blood vessels will form a roadway for bacteria to reach the rest of your cat’s body, such as the liver, kidneys and heart. Not a pretty picture!
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Not only that, but it will be epically painful for the afflicted cat, as the exposed pulp is rich in nerve endings.
Your vet will likely take dental radiographs with your cat under anesthesia to determine the extent of the problem. Depending on the injury, treatment may involve creating crowns for the tooth, a root canal, or complete removal. A diet of soft food will likely also be recommended.
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