Broken incisor

[Stackie]

I noticed this morning that Bentley has a broken top incisor. It is broken to about halfway the size of his other. The break looked to be even and was not jagged.

I have read that some people take them to the vet to get the other incisor trimmed so they match, and others just kept an eye on the tooth to be sure it grew back correctly.

Any opinions on what I should do? He is eating and drinking fine, and he chewed on a stick that I offered to him, so it doesn't really seem to be bothering him.

 

[Diamond Dreams]

Just keep an eye on it. I wouldn't worry about it. It'll grow back in and wear down soon enough.

 

[Riven]

I've never dealt with it. If you have it trimmed I'd be concerned about extra pressure on the back molars due to quick change in the size of the incisors and they might repeatedly "hit" each other possibly causing back molar issues.... I personally had a root canal and the cap wasn't fitted properly, for years I had problems with it, and the dentists couldn't find anything wrong with it, then finally one tested it with a marker paper and said yea, they're striking. He grinded the cap down... not one problem since! I was to the point I wanted the tooth pulled it hurt so bad. What I'm saying is, I know that it might cause other painful problems to cut it.

I guess I'd probably let them grow out on their own. In time they should even out. But I'd be interested in what others have to say.

 

[Stackie]

After talking with Tab I've decided to just keep an eye on it. The bottom incisors are fine so it should grow to them. I figured it wouldn't be worth the stress and pain of a tooth filing. As long as it isn't bothering him, I'm just going to keep an eye on it.

Thanks for the input!

 

[starleomach]

I just keep an eye on them. Only once have I had to trim it to even it out and I just use dog clippers to do it.

 

[Claire D]

Only once have I had to trim it to even it out and I just use dog clippers to do it.

IMO this risks damaging the growth plate of the tooth, shattering the tooth, & rocking/twisting the tooth in the socket. Clipping can also be painful & can cause the gums to bleed.


Stacie, I would not do anything more than you're already doing really - I'd keep a good eye on the tooth & make sure it grows back properly as I have known some incisors curl into the mouth when growing back - it is worth checking every couple of days to make sure it is in line with the other incisor.
I'd also monitor food intake, behaviour etc for signs of discomfort. If there are any problems then I would take the chin for a check-up & possibly have the other incisor burred down a little.

Fingers crossed for no more problems for Bentley.

 

[Laurie]

Stacie, this happened to Abigail and she had to have her bottom incisor filed as it grew too long because there was no corresponding top incisor. She only needed one filing, but still you need to key an eye on the bottom one if the corresponding top one is short.

 

[tunes]

Been there Stack. I just let it grow out. Their teeth grow so fast, it's just amazing.

Kristy - I hope n00bs don't read that and decide they can play do it at home dentistry. Even some long time ranchers won't touch their chins teeth with clippers and there was a thread on either here or CnQ where they weighed in on how dangerous it was and how they would never recommend it.

 

[ticklechin]

From the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS) :

A high speed hand piece is usually used to trim the incisors. It is
inappropriate to trim the teeth with toenail trimmers, and it is inappropriate to attempt performing an occlusal
adjustment without general anesthesia. Nail clippers are never used because the clipping can cause a fracture line in
the tooth, potentially leading to endodontic disease. If the tooth is heavily damaged, it can die, leading to further
problems, including the need for extraction. Nail clippers may also cause sharp points and edges on the teeth,
leading to tongue lacerations, pain, and potential anorexia.

 

[AZChins]

It should be alright. The tooth will grow back in no time. You'd only have to worry about getting it trimmed if the teeth were getting too long, mainly the opposing incisor. I've seen this happen with chins many times. Most of the time a small chunk breaks off and within a week everything has worn back to where it needs to be. There's been a few times that I have seen more serious breaks where it's half the tooth missing...but even with those usually the broken tooth grows back in without causing any other problems.

Get him lots of fun stuff to chew...that will help the most.

 

[starleomach]

I didn't think of the Noobes I am sorry. When I saw Jan and rich at nationals they showed me how with the only chincihlla I have ever had to do it too. She had to have it done twice before she was fine and her tooth was at a point so it had to be done. I didn't mean to start a debate

 

[jenjenn2005]

My chin had a broken lower incisor so bad that it never grew back. She would still chew on wood but the teeth would never match up so monthly I had to trim her teeth. I never used clippers but instead used a dremel tool with the small green pine cone looking attachment and it was quick, easy, and less traumatic than clipping. I did this for over 6 years and never had any problems.