Tooth trauma: pathology and the treatment options

Tooth damage, a common injury in domestic animals, can be caused by localised traumatic injuries, such as those associated with chewing or biting, or by more widespread traumatic injuries, such as road traffic collisions. Damage may not always be externally obvious and so it is important that all suspected tooth traumas are thoroughly assessed under anaesthesia and with an accompanying radiograph. The result of untreated tooth trauma may be pain, pulpitis, pulp necrosis, root resorption, periradicular pathology and periodontitis. This article discusses the pathophysiology and diagnosis of these traumas, as well as looking at the treatment options available.