What is a Tooth Abscess in Dogs?
A tooth abscess is an infection that develops inside or around the root of a tooth in dogs. It often occurs when bacteria enter through a chip, crack, or other damage in the tooth enamel and infect the pulp (nerve) chamber and root canal at the tip of the tooth root (source).
Common causes of tooth abscesses in dogs include periodontal disease, tooth fractures, trauma to the mouth, food impaction between teeth, and improper occlusion between upper and lower teeth. Gum disease allows bacteria to enter the tooth root, while fractures or trauma expose the inner pulp directly to oral bacteria (source).
As the infection progresses, pus builds up in the root canal. The pressure causes inflammation and swelling around the tooth root and jawbone. If left untreated, the abscess can burst through the gum, spreading infection into the mouth and potential systemic infection.
Signs of a Tooth Abscess
Some of the most common signs of a tooth abscess in dogs include:
- Swelling on the face – There may be noticeable swelling on the side of the face where the infected tooth is located. This is due to buildup of pus in the area.
- Bad breath – Dogs with a tooth abscess often have very foul-smelling breath.
- Discharge from the mouth – You may see drainage of pus from the mouth, which could have a foul odor.
- Not eating – Dogs with an abscessed tooth frequently have decreased appetite or difficulty eating. The pain and swelling makes it uncomfortable to chew.
According to VCA Animal Hospitals, there will often be swelling and redness on the gums around the affected tooth. Signs like bad breath and discharge point to an infection that requires veterinary attention.
Dangers of a Burst Abscess
When a tooth abscess bursts, it can cause serious complications for the dog and be a dangerous situation. Some of the main dangers include:
Spread of Infection: Once an abscess bursts, the pus and bacteria can start spreading under the skin and throughout the tissue. This leads to cellulitis and a widespread infection. As cited from VCA Animal Hospitals, this kind of severe infection requires intensive antibiotic treatment and care.
Pain and Discomfort: A burst abscess results in the release of pus, blood, and other fluids in the mouth and face. This causes pain and discomfort for the dog as the sensitive nerves become exposed. According to Seven Oaks Pet Hospital, the area under the eye where the abscess may burst is very sensitive, making this a distressing experience for dogs.
Treatment of a Burst Abscess
Once a tooth abscess has burst, the abscess will need to be drained and flushed by a veterinarian to remove any infection and pus. Draining the abscess helps relieve pressure and provides an entry point for antibiotics to treat the infection. According to VCA Hospitals, flushing with an antiseptic solution helps clean out the wound so it can heal (1).
Antibiotics will also be prescribed, either orally or by injection, to control the infection caused by the burst abscess. Common antibiotics used include clindamycin, amoxicillin, or metronidazole. The antibiotics will need to be given for 10-21 days depending on the severity of the infection (2).
Pain medication such as NSAIDs or opioids may be prescribed for 1-2 weeks to manage pain and inflammation associated with the burst abscess. Reducing pain is important for healing, appetite, and preventing damage from excessive licking (2).
Extraction
When antibiotics fail to resolve a tooth abscess, extraction of the affected tooth is usually necessary. Extraction completely removes the infected tooth and allows drainage of the abscess. The extraction procedure involves general anesthesia so your dog is asleep and free of pain. The veterinarian will x-ray your dog’s mouth to locate the root of the affected tooth and surrounding bone structure. An elevator instrument loosens the tooth from the socket while the veterinarian gently rocks the tooth back and forth. Once loosened, dental forceps are used to gently remove the entire tooth including the root. After extraction, the vet flushes the socket to remove debris and infection. The site is closed with sutures which may or may not need removal later depending on the location. Your dog will be prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory medication after extraction to prevent further infection and reduce swelling.
Sources:
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/tooth-root-abscess-in-dogs
https://www.kingsdale.com/tooth-abscess-in-dogs-how-to-cure-a-tooth-root-abscess
Home Care
After a tooth abscess bursts, dogs will need special care at home to allow proper healing. Here are some tips for caring for your dog after an abscess burst:
Feed soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow. Avoid hard kibble or treats, which could irritate the abscess site. Try feeding wet canned food, softened kibble soaked in water or broth, or pureed homemade foods during recovery.
Practice good oral hygiene to keep the area clean while healing. Use a soft cloth or gauze pad to gently wipe away any debris around the affected tooth daily. Do not use toothbrushes or anything abrasive on the mouth.
Monitor your dog for any changes like reduced appetite, bleeding from the mouth, or foul odor, which could indicate complications. Call your veterinarian if the condition worsens or does not seem to be improving within a few days.
Your vet may prescribe antibiotics and pain medication to help manage infection and discomfort after a burst abscess. Be sure to give all medications as directed.
Prevention
There are a few ways to help prevent tooth abscesses in dogs:
Regular dental cleanings by a veterinarian are important to keep tartar and plaque from building up on the teeth and causing decay that can lead to abscesses. professional cleanings should be done at least annually (VCA Animal Hospitals).
Brushing your dog’s teeth daily or several times a week can also help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Use a soft bristle toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste. Work up slowly to brushing all areas of the teeth and gums.
Giving dogs dental chews or treats can also help scrape plaque off the teeth and freshen breath. Look for chews approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council. Avoid very hard chews that could crack teeth (PetMD).
Prognosis
The prognosis for a dog with a tooth abscess is generally good if treatment is sought early. However, without proper treatment, the infection can spread to other areas of the body and become life-threatening. According to veterinarians, the key to a good prognosis is early intervention before the infection spreads beyond the tooth root (https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/tooth-root-abscess-in-dogs).
If treated promptly, most dogs recover fully from a tooth abscess. Typical treatment involves antibiotics and extraction of the affected tooth. With antibiotics and removal of the source of infection, the abscess will usually heal within a few weeks (https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/mouth/tooth-root-abscess-dogs).
However, if left untreated, the abscess can burst and cause dangerous spreading infection. Once the infection spreads, the prognosis worsens significantly. Therefore, it is crucial to have a suspected tooth abscess examined and treated as soon as symptoms appear. Early treatment leads to an excellent long-term prognosis for most dogs.
When to See the Vet
There are a few key signs that indicate it is time to take your dog to the vet for a possible tooth abscess:
Swelling – Swelling around the affected tooth or face area is one of the most common and noticeable signs of a potential tooth infection. Swelling is the body’s response to the spread of infection and inflammation, so significant or abnormal swelling warrants a vet visit. Look for swelling around the gumline, cheeks, or lower jaw/chin area (VCA Hospitals).
Drooling – Excessive drooling from the mouth or drooling when your dog normally doesn’t drool can also signal an abscess. The irritation, pain, and swelling can cause increased salivation and drool (ToeGrips).
Pain – If your dog is exhibiting signs of mouth pain like reluctance to eat or chew, yelping when you touch their mouth, or shying away when you try to look in their mouth, they may have a painful tooth abscess that requires veterinary attention (Pawlicy).
Lethargy – Infection can make dogs feel under the weather, so lethargy, lack of appetite, and general malaise may accompany a tooth abscess. See the vet promptly if your normally energetic pup seems low energy or not themselves (VCA Hospitals).
Costs of Treating a Tooth Abscess in Dogs
The costs of treating a tooth abscess in dogs can vary depending on the severity of the abscess, the treatment required, and your geographic location. Here are some typical costs:
Initial Exam and Diagnostics: The initial veterinary exam to diagnose a tooth abscess usually costs $55 to $90. Dental x-rays to determine the extent of infection run $125 to $250.
Tooth Extraction: Extracting an infected tooth generally ranges from $600 to $1,200. This covers anesthesia, the extraction itself, antibiotics, and follow-up care. More complex extractions or those requiring a dental specialist may cost more.
Other procedures like root canals or tooth repairs can also add to the total cost. Your location and the veterinarian you choose will also impact the price. In general, expect to spend $200 to $1,500+ to treat a serious tooth abscess in dogs.
Getting pet insurance or signing up for a veterinary discount plan can help offset expenses. But ultimately, treating an abscessed tooth is essential for your dog’s health and comfort.
