Skip to main content

Pet Insurance policies are underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company.

Figo Pet Insurance Logo
  • Pet Insurance
    • Dog Insurance
    • Cat Insurance
    • Coverage
    • Compare
    • FAQs
  • Pet Cloud
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
Get a Quote
Figo logo

  • Login
  • Dog Insurance
  • Careers
  • Found a lost Figo pet?
  • About Us
  • Cat Insurance
  • Blog
  • FAQs
  • Employers
  • Veterinarians
  • Compare
  • Maine Residents
  • California Privacy

Subscribe to our newsletter

  • Instagram logo
  • facebook
  • tiktok
  • Twitter

No one is permitted to sell, solicit or negotiate an insurance policy without a producer license in the state in which the plan is sold, and all prospects should be directed to Figo Pet Insurance. The information contained in this website is for illustrative purposes only and coverage under any pet insurance policy is expressly subject to the conditions, restrictions, limitations, exclusions (including pre-existing conditions), and terms of the policy documentation issued by the insurer. Availability of this program is subject to each state’s approval and coverage may vary by state. Coverage underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (IAIC), a Delaware Insurance Company, 11333 North Scottsdale Road Suite 160 Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Live Vet and the Figo Pet Cloud are separate non-insurance services unaffiliated with IAIC. Figo Pet Insurance's California license number is 0K02763.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • Terms of Use & Licensing
  • Insurance Fraud Warnings
  • Underwriting

Copyright © 2015-2023 Figo Pet Insurance LLC. All rights reserved

Dog with tooth fracture needs treatment

September 7, 2017

Tooth fractures in dogs should be evaluated carefully. Dr. Lee provides important health information on canine tooth fractures.

Dog with tooth fracture needs treatment

Q: It looks like my dog, Henry, broke the tip off one of his fangs. Do I need to do anything about this?

A: One in four dogs breaks a tooth during his or her lifetime. Almost half these fractures expose the sensitive pulp canal. If Henry broke only the tip of his fang, or canine tooth, he may be fine. If the fracture exposed the pulp canal, he’s in pain and needs treatment.

The only way to know for sure is to have your veterinarian anesthetize Henry, probe the tooth and take dental radiographs (x-rays).

If the fracture exposed the pulp canal, bacteria can enter and infect the sensitive nerve and blood vessels, causing pain and destroying the bone surrounding the tip of the tooth’s root. Extraction or a root canal will effectively treat such a tooth.

The dental radiographs also will show whether the crowns or roots of any other teeth are damaged, so all problems can be treated at one time.

Since dogs rarely let anyone know when their teeth hurt, you should make an appointment with Henry’s veterinarian immediately.


Lee Pickett, V.M.D. practices companion animal medicine. Contact her at askdrlee@insurefigo.com.