Hi everyone

I've noticed that there have been several posts lately about dogs with broken teeth. Os broke one of his small front teeth about a month after it came through and now at 18 months it doesn't seem to be giving him any problems. We've always kept an eye on it but that's about it.

We've recently thought about having it pulled just to be safe but now I've heard about the possibility of capping I'm interested. Also, the BF has always said that he would rather not have a 'gappy' dog ;-)

So, a few q.s - does anyone know how much it might cost to have a tooth capped (Os is a GSD)? Also, do you have to go to a specific vet or do they all do it? Is there any point that a tooth cannot be capped - ie it's gone too far? As I say Os doesn't have any pain from his so I assume that it isn't an exposed nerve or anything.

Just a few questions!

Thanks everyone
Jayne

Anyone?

Hi Jayne, sorry I don't have the answers but I to would like to know the answer as I have recently had someone pose this exact same question on our breed specific website.

Hello

When i took my gsd to have his tooth fixed i was told that it wouldnt be capped as a dogs bite is so powerfull that it wouldnt last 5 minutes, his tooth was rounded off i think and cleaned up, my vet reffered him to another vets where a dentist was working and it cost £245, so that is now the most expensive tooth in his mouth

Hope that has answered you questions

Diane

Hi,
I have a neighbour who is also a veterinary 'tooth' specialist. Her advice is to be careful of broken teeth as bacteria can enter the system through the ruptured enamel which could result in a nasty abcess or blood poisoning. If the pulp is exposed the tooth will eventually die anyway & come loose.
If you see a broken tooth watch out for any discolouration as this is a sign of it dying off.
I have had a root canal filling done on one of my dogs (£200) where the exposed pulp was scooped out & filled with a substance. In my opinion much better (& safer) than extraction in a large breed, & no worries for the future.
Dogs don't always show any signs of pain in their teeth even though there may be something nasty going on in their mouths.
Best of luck,
Nicola.