What are Tooth Root Abscess?
Pet owners who may overlook proper care for their dogs' teeth could up the risks of pus developing in the cavity of their teeth. Purulent exudate (pus) near the gum line and excess tartar could lead to discomfort, extreme pain, bacteria spreading to vital organs and organ failure. The buildup of tartar, without cleaning teeth, can become so bad that the teeth may fall out when it is finally removed.
Apical abscess, or pus formations under or around the canine teeth, occur for a variety of reasons. Regardless of the reason, all abscesses are correlated to extreme pain. Do not take a wait and see approach as the bacteria can and will spread quickly causing serious medical conditions.
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Symptoms of Tooth Root Abscess in Dogs
Because dogs are usually a feisty bunch who bite, chew and grab at a variety of things, pet owners may easily dismiss a chipped tooth or bad breath as a dog being a dog. Don't. Some common symptoms of periodontal disease in relation to dogs include:
- Drooling
- Fractured tooth
- Gingivitis (bleeding gums)
- Loss of appetite
- Pawing at the mouth
- Inability to chew
Oral diseases can also occur if the dog does not lose its deciduous (puppy teeth) in exchange for its permanent teeth (28 teeth versus 42 teeth). While these teeth can be extracted, a veterinarian should be consulted to confirm whether this issue is due to genetics, trauma or something even as serious as a tumor.
Types
Other common types of periodontal disease that are commonly linked to visible pus buildup near a dog's mouth include:
- Early Gingivitis (mild plaque buildup on teeth, mild redness around the gums)
- Advanced Gingivitis (plaque below the gumline, higher amount of redness, and fluid in connective tissue aka edema)
- Early Periodontitis (calculus below the gum line, along with bleeding gums, edema, gum recession or hyperplasia)
- Established Periodontitis (higher amount of calculus below the gum line, along with bleeding gums, inflammation, gum recession, loose and/or missing teeth)
Causes of Tooth Root Abscess in Dogs
A dog's body will produce extra white blood cells as a blockade to the rest of the body after an infection occurs in the mouth. That enclosed area, known as an abscess, can be the result of:
- Bacterial skin infections
- Dog bites
- Splinters (primarily from wood)
- Wounds
Although other illnesses are a possibility for the pus-related illness in a dog's teeth, more often than not, the pet owner will find that keeping dogs from chewing foreign objects and keeping a dog's teeth clean are much easier ways to prevent tooth-related incidents.
Diagnosis of Tooth Root Abscess in Dogs
Bad-smelling discharge on teeth or a hard texture on top of teeth are telltale signs of oral disease that may lead to pus in the cavity of teeth. While there are options for pet owners to take from home to avoid the issue before it starts, seeing a veterinarian to find out the severity of the issue is highly recommended. The veterinarian will complete a pre-anesthetic blood testing exam to assess the dog's dental health.
Antibiotics (Antirobe, Cefa-Drops, Cefa-Tabs, Clavamox) may be suggested before the diagnosis, and anesthesia and monitoring during the dental exam will be suggested. The exam will entail the veterinarian checking to see if the pocket depth is healthy (two to three millimeters) by using a calibrated probe.
During the exam, the veterinarian will determine what Grade level the periodontal disease is.
- Early Gingivitis (Grade 1)
- Advanced Gingivitis (Grade 2)
- Early Periodontitis (Grade 3)
- Established Periodontitis (Grade 4)
Treatment of Tooth Root Abscess in Dogs
For a pet owner who is confident in dental care for dogs, there are diagnosis steps to take from home to avoid abscess from forming. A few suggestions are:
- Applying a compress to the wounded area to prevent more white blood cells from forming along the infected area
- Brushing the dog's teeth with a child's toothbrush or a pet toothbrush (While not suggested for a novice, a finger toothbrush using gauze and a cotton swab are additional options if the dog does not react well to a real toothbrush)
- Getting rid of all dangerous or even potential items the dog may chew on, specifically with wood that may cause splinters
- Stopping the dog from irritating the area by biting down on other objects or scratching the irritated area with its paws
- Using salt water or antibacterial cream to keep the dog's mouth clean
Once the pus buildup has reached the point where a veterinarian must get involved, your dog will need a complete dental cleaning and polishing, and removal of tartar buildup on the teeth and gum lines by using handheld and ultrasonic scalers. Root planing, subgingival curettage, and tooth extraction may be possibilities for the worst case scenarios.
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Recovery of Tooth Root Abscess in Dogs
Along with the veterinarian providing tips for the proper way to brush the dog's teeth, four to six-week checkups at minimum two to four times a year are helpful to keep tabs on the dog's tooth pockets.
Pet owners should avoid using toothpaste designed for humans because the cleaning ingredients in them may lead to vomiting and stomach upsets in dogs. Pet owners should query what would be the best veterinary pastes that would make brushing a dog's teeth less of a challenge.
There may be a learning curve similar to dog food about what the dog will actually like best, but either way, dog brushing should be done daily. Dangerous chew toys or wooden objects that can lead to splinters, infections, and tooth damage should be removed from the play area immediately.
Tooth Root Abscess Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$1,200
Top
Tooth Root Abscess Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Chihuahua
Cody
11 Years
4 found this helpful
4 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
High Temperature
My 11 yr old chihuahua had an infected tooth removed he was on antibiotics prior to removal as he had a open sore in his face and then had the tooth removed. Since coming home he has quickly deteriorated.he breathing was rapid he seemed in pain didn’t move around much would stay where u put him. I took him back they said he has an infection , high temp and low sugar. The next day they called to say he won’t stand and can not lift his head and may have a slip disk and are doing a scan today ! Could this be a result of the tooth removal.
Aug. 20, 2018
4 Recommendations
A slipped disc is unlikely to be related to the dental work, however any dental work may result in pain or discomfort which would explain the rapid breathing. See what comes back the the scan to see if there is a slipped disc or another cause for the inability to stand. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 20, 2018
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Cocker Spaniel
Jackie
7 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Eye Redness
Ear Odor
Drooling
Blood
Puss
Smelly Mouth
I have a 7 year old cocker spaniel who has been having puss and blood come from her left ear and eye irritation. I think those things are happening because she needs a teeth cleaning. I think this because she is also drooling on the side that the ear and eye are having issues. Will a cleaning help her with these problems? She is still eating and hasn't lost weight. Please help me. She is scheduled for a cleaning but I just want to know it that will help her.
July 21, 2018
2 Recommendations
Most likely a cleaning alone isn’t going to help, it is possible that Jackie will require some tooth extractions, flushing of an abscess cavity, antibiotic among other treatments; without examining her I cannot say for certain but your Veterinarian will examine her when she arrives at the clinic and will indicate what they believe will need to be done (but that may change based on what is found during the cleaning). Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 21, 2018
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Italian Greyhound
Maya
12 Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swollen Left Side
Maya is an12 years old Italian greyhound . She is a healthy puppy but doesn't let me brush her teeth, therefore her teeth are not in great condition. She used to have dental every year but I stopped a year and a half ago because she almost didn't wake up from anesthesia. She woke up 2 days ago with a " bull terrier " face and a swollen left side. I gave her 1/4 Benadryl twice a day for 1 1/2 day just in case it was allergy or insect bite... the swelling got better then swollen again this morning . I took her to our vet who gave her antibiotics and anti inflammatory. She suggested Maya will need a surgery after taking the antibiotics. Maya doesn't seems in pain and have very good appetite.
Can the swelling have an other cause than a dental abcès?
Is the surgery unavoidable?
Thanks in advance for your answer.
May 2, 2018
3 Recommendations
There are many causes for a dental abscess which may include allergic reactions, abscesses among other causes; I understand your concerns regarding anaesthesia but should surgery be required your Veterinarian will be able to take steps to minimise the risks of anaesthesia using various techniques. Without examining Maya I cannot say whether or not surgery is required, but follow guidance from your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
May 3, 2018
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Mixed
Coco
6 Years
4 found this helpful
4 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swelling
Coco had surgery last week and her tops was extracted and the abscess removed, she had her week of antibiotics,and was fine. Two weeks since Tue surgery, swelling is starting to come up again? Will it need to be refrained ?
Jan. 26, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
4 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. Without knowing more about which teeth were extracted and what type of abscess existed, I have a hard time commenting on what might be happening now or what treatment may need to be done. If she had an abscess at the root of her carnassial tooth, the tooth may need to be removed to clear the abscess up. Dental x-rays may need to performed. It would be best to follow up with your veterinarian to see what might be happening, and what can be done about it. I hope that Coco is okay.
Jan. 27, 2018
Yes, it was the carnassial tooth she had removed and drained. I'll call my vet and see what he says. Thank you.
Jan. 27, 2018
Coco's Owner
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Labrador
Cracker
6 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy
Loss Of Appetite
Bloody Nose
My dog has a lump under his left eye and quit eating. Took him to vet and was told it was a tooth abscess. The tooth was removed and my baby was better. Her resumed eating and was playful. He did still have bloody discharge from his nose. After a week went by he quit eating again and still lots of discharge. Back to the vet and had two more teeth removed. Again started eating for a week then stopped. He shakes or trembles all the time now.What is wrong and what can be done? Vet said nothing looked abnormal on xray and there's no more teeth to pull back there.
Jan. 6, 2018
2 Recommendations
Without examining Cracker I cannot give much of an insight, however was cracker given any antibiotics? It wasn’t mentioned in your question. At this point I would suggest visiting another Veterinarian for them to take a look at Cracker in case they spot something different; sometimes these cases take time to recover from but I am concerned that he seemingly gets better for the loss of appetite only to return. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Jan. 6, 2018
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Corgi
Thor
4 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swelling
Tooth Pain
Within 24hrs a small bump under his eye swelled up half his face. After visits at two different offices since the first had misdiagnosed him for the second time, we found out that he had an abscess (which is what we thought in the beginning) and scheduled for the tooth to be pulled. He started antibiotics two days ago and now on the third, his face is starting to swell up again, with 6 days until the scheduled surgery. Is this swelling something to be worried about? He’s still eating and drinking, but does it warrant another visit to the vet?
Tooth Root Abscess Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$1,200
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
