What Are the Treatments for an Abscessed Tooth in Dogs?

Dental health is just as important for your dog as it is for you. Dental problems in dogs often go overlooked since dogs cannot communicate pain or discomfort to us in words. Since dogs use their teeth for play and rough chewing, their teeth can easily be damaged, allowing bacteria to grow and infections to develop.

  1. Abscesses Explained

    • Understanding what abscess means is important in understanding why it needs to be treated. Whenever bacteria enter the body, white blood cells gather to fend off the bacteria. This battle forms pus, which can be covered by a layer of skin. When skin grows over an infected area that contains pus, an abscess forms.

      Abscesses can form in a dog's mouth in a similar way. If a dog has a broken tooth, bacteria can enter and infect the dog's gums and tooth, causing the tooth to decay and die. If the tooth dies, the bacteria can spread through the dog's jaw and up to the eye area.

    Symptoms and Diagnosis

    • Bad breath is often a sign of a tooth abscess because it indicates the presence of bacteria. If your dog has a loose, cracked or discolored tooth, chances are an abscess may have formed. Facial swelling and difficulty eating are also common symptoms.

      A visit to the veterinarian will determine if your dog is suffering from a tooth abscess. During the exam the vet will check your dog's mouth for loose or cracked teeth and signs of infection. A blood test might be performed to rule out other more serious medical conditions.

    Professional Treatment

    • Once it has been determined that your dog is suffering from a tooth abscess, the veterinarian will give your dog a local or general anesthetic and drain the fluid and pus that have formed under and around the tooth. It is not uncommon for the tooth to be removed to help the dog's mouth heal. Your dog may be given antibiotics to help fight off any remaining infection. Painkillers and ice packs will help ease your dog's discomfort and reduce swelling. A followup visit might be necessary to make sure that there are no complications and that the infection has cleared up.

    Home Treatment

    • Once an abscess has formed, it must be treated by a veterinarian. There are things you can do for your pet to hasten healing and prevent new abscesses from forming. While your dog is healing, do not let it chew on hard bones and toys. This could cause irritation and further infection. Playing tug-of-war can also loosen teeth and make them more susceptible to infections. Once your pet is healed, schedule regular checkups to make sure new abscesses are not developing.