So I was looking at Danzig's teeth the other night to see how dirty they were, and I noticed his top right front tooth is chipped in half. I looked at it some more, when he let me, and it looks like it has a cavity in it. The center has a grayish/black hole that goes up through the tooth. I touched it several times and he doesn't seem to be in pain, nor are his eating habits affected.

I'm not sure if I should take him to the vet. It seems like most vets try to keep teeth, but if he were a human, I would imagine it would be painful and have a possibility of infection.

Any thoughts, opinions or words of wisom would be much appreciated.

When in doubt, I like to have the vet take a look. That's what I'd do anyway.

if you went to our vet she would pull it and it would cost about $700, yeah sierras tooth is still in her mouth im sure you could find someone to do a low cost pull but our vet does xrays and the putting her under and the pain meds and all. i would have it looked at on his next apt, but if nothing has changed in his behavior i would not worry about it.

I have a lot of mixed feelings on it. Since it looks like a cavity, it makes me worry but if it were just a chip I wouldn't even worry. Dustin thinks he's fine but I'm always a worry wart about my babies.

Jenn, I read your posts about Sierra's tooth. $700 is a lot of money. I guess it would be good just to have it looked and at least get an opinion. He honestly needs a check up, since he hasn't had one in a long time.

Definitely shop around and ask for recommendations. While our first vet wanted to charge $600 for a cleaning, the vet we use for the rescue charges $125 plus $15 per tooth extraction and this is in LA!!! Includes bloodwork and anesthesia. Definitely get recommendations, since you want someone who is good not just cheap.

I'd atleast visit your vet (or a few, for more opinions) on this, just to see what your options are.

I am definitely planning a trip to the vet within the next few weeks. Seems like these things alway happen when money is tied up elsewhere. But, my babies come first. Im going to at least call our regualr vet and see what they think. They're pretty good at giving advice without making you come in. I defintely know he's still eating, I mean he's 6 lbs. overweight now lol.

hollywoodhuskies wrote:

Definitely shop around and ask for recommendations. While our first vet wanted to charge $600 for a cleaning, the vet we use for the rescue charges $125 plus $15 per tooth extraction and this is in LA!!! Includes bloodwork and anesthesia. Definitely get recommendations, since you want someone who is good not just cheap.

This might be rescue pricing as our vet also has low rates for our dogs in rescue. If you can bring your own pups and get rescue pricing, that's great!

If the tooth is broken to where the pulp is exposed, I would have a vet take a look to make sure there are no infections as a tooth extraction is major for a dog especially if it is the canine as the root goes way up which is why tooth extractions on a dog requires anesthesia. If the enamel is chipped off, you probably will be OK leaving it as is.

If the tooth is not infected, you could 'bond' the tooth so that a protective covering is bonded to the tooth protecting it. The bond can wear off over time, and may need to be re-bonded, but beats having to extract the tooth for a while if it is not infected.

Ginger's canine is broken and the enamel is chipped but it does not look like the pulp is exposed. We'll get it bonded as she chew bones on that side of her mouth. We can also press on the gums right above the root and on the tooth itself and it does not bother her. I took her to another vet to get a second opinion and was told she does not have to get it extracted but bonding may be a good idea.

Claudia - This is very similar to what his tooth looks like. Except, it's a front tooth. I don't see any exposed pulp and he isn't bothered by me touching it or anywhere around it. I'm just concerned about the cavity part of it. I've personally never had one, but it definitely looks like one the hubby has had.

Make sure you also check behind the tooth too.
Ask your vet if they do 'bonding' which is a protective covering over the tooth after they clean the tooth.

I will, he's such a pain about me opening his mouth lol. This sounds like a better alternative than just pulling it anyway.

I have a mut who is 17 years old.. For his check up we found out he had multiple tooth breaks and some gum problems.. He lives outside.. Its out fault for letting him get that bad and i feel terrible... But anyway the doctor wanted to remove all the teeth.. Remember he is 17... So we took him to another vet for a 2nd opinion.. And he said he would not put him under to take the teeth out cause he is so old.. And the vet touched all his teeth and said he will be ok.. Just keep eye on eating hbbits.. And he has been fine ever since.. That was a little over a year ago.

I work for a vet clinic and do dentals usually every day. Our price ranges from 150-250 depending on whether teeth need to be pulled and if they need pain meds and or antibiotics. It sounds like he just needs his teeth cleaned. We use the scaler and go up under the gums and flush all that plaque and nastiness out, then we use the paste which helps protect the teeth since we scaled them. then we use flurofoam to help prevent future buildup. It's not that bad really and they get to go home that same day... I would call around and compare prices.

That makes me feel a little better. And yes, he needs his teeth cleaned bad and I will admit, I'm not the best about keeping them clean. Plus, he doesn't like to chew on things that will get them cleaner.

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Hello, I have similar issue here, but I am struggle to take him to see a vet as the vet we used to go can't provide any further service other than clean and polish and they aren't cheap either, Would you kindly have a look the picture and advises?

Well usually chews aren't good to help get plaque off.. it's more to prevent plaque from getting worse, or building up.. It's like if we have a cavity and start using mouthwash.. Not got make it better until we go to the dentist And from the picture above, it literally looks like he just needs a cleaning as well. They can get all that nastiness out/off with the scaler.

It's hard to tell in the picture above ^^ if there is a cavity or if the enamel is just chipped off. If you push on the gums above the tooth, does it seem to bother your pup? Usually, a sensitivity would indicate an infection. However, that's not to say there is a slight infection already but it's not bothering your pup yet.

As far as I can tell on the rest of the teeth, the gumline doesn't look red, so that would tell me that there isn't that much plaque buildup under the gumline. Red gumline would indicate tartar/plaque buildup under the gumline, or periodontal disease.

You may want to get your pup checked out by a vet just to make sure.

You can start with brushing your pup's teeth, and maybe start using Petzlife (spray or gel) which helps with tartar build up.

Hello there,

First of all thank you for both of your time and advises. It reliefs a bit pressure from me. I was thought something wasn't pleasant and have to get it done now rather than later. ( put the dog on the table and have a polish or even bonding.)
But it seems I could get away with brushing his teeth and keep eye on it before have to take him to a proper work out. That s the worst tooth.

RE:cmanding He actually quite relax for me to do the check, he didn't struggle, all I need to do is ask and he will be laid down on the rug and let me do the check.
Touch wood the gum isn't red.

Currently I am using Virbac canine toothpaste, any goods? Or Petzlife have a stronger strength?

I believe a canine enzyme toothpaste reacts with the dog's saliva to help clean the teeth, however, it will not take off plaque or tartar that has already built up on the teeth.

There are a few members on the forum, myself included, that use Petzlife, and has done wonders for dogs that are prone to tartar build up. This will help take some of that off, and will help prevent further build up.

http://www.petzlife.com/catalog/oral-care-products.html?limit=15

There are some 'before and after pictures' under testimonials.
I use it for my female who is prone to periodontal disease and tartar and it helps keep her teeth clean - we haven't had to have a dental since we adopted her over 2 years ago. We also brush her teeth with an enzyme toothpaste, and we give her bones to chew.

Re: cmanding,

Thank you for your reply.

Would like to ask, do you use gel and spray or just spray + brush + chew for your girl?

I am trying to work out what would be the quickest in time to optime his teeth again without going to vet for polish.

Many thanks

The gel is easier to apply for us.
Some prefer the spray.

Grizzly&Charcoal wrote:

Currently I am using Virbac canine toothpaste, any goods? Or Petzlife have a stronger strength?

Both are good to use in conjunction with each other. I use both the enzymatic toothpaste and petzlife spray (I find the spray way easier to use) as well as chews and raw food to keep my dogs' teeth clean.

Thank you for advises, just received the petzlife bottle today, Can't wait to see the result.

So... Danzig is scheduled for an appointment at our vet on Tuesday. The vet we use does practice dentistry and will bond a tooth, so we'll see what they say. I'm going to try and take a pic of it tonight, so it can be referenced.

A few nights ago, he was chewing on a treat with his front teeth so I'm still not sure if he's in pain. He's kind of a weenie, so I really think he'd let us know. No difference in eating either.