Tooth Removal ~ Dog

  

This first dental radiograph (x-ray on the left) shows the upper incisor teeth of a 8 year old chocolate Labrador retriever when she came in for a dental and oral health assessment in 2008. At that time our dental health experts noted a broken upper incisor tooth with exposure of the pulp cavity. The tooth was not loose and there was no evidence of tooth root pathology on the radiograph and it was decided to keep a “watch” on the tooth for development of problems.

The radiograph to the right is taken 1 year later. The tooth in question is now slightly loose when manipulate with ones finger. Note the area of radiolucency (dark area at base of tooth root as noted by the black arrow) when compared to 2008. This is indicative of a tooth root abscess or bone infection around the base of the tooth root.

As a result of the tooth being loose and evidence of abscessation on the radiograph it was recommended that this tooth be extracted. This image shows the tooth in the process of being surgically removed. Note a gingival (gum) flap (vertical black arrow) has been created to expose the tooth root and upon elevation, pus extruded from the abscessed area as the tooth root was elevated (white horizontal arrow).

This image shows the patient’s mouth after the tooth has been extracted. The upper incisor has been removed and the gum tissue sutured over the defect. This area went on to heal uneventfully and our Labrador friend is much more comfortable!

This picture is of the tooth after it was extracted with the root to the left side of the image. Note the area where the tooth was originally fractured (arrow). In this case a slab of tooth enamel broke off the back of the tooth exposing the pulp cavity, thus leading to infection over time. Due to the location of the slab fractue it really was not visible to the casual observer.