Teeth - Aaaaaahhhhhh

[Katiedid]

I need a revolving door fitted between me and the vets. I will take Jet to see the vet - I am in with Biscuit on Monday so I will mention it them and I may see if I can book him in when I take the little ones for their check up.

One of Jet's lower front teeth went a funny colour (and it think it may have been wobbly) and before I could get to the vets it fell out. He is a cage biter I presumed he had knocked it out doing that. It is causing no issues (save for uneven wear on the top teeth which I will mention to his vet and get dealt with). He is still eating hay and munching on things like carrots when given the chance.

When they have done this before we have usually had signs of a tooth almost straight away, however a week has passed and there is no tooth. It could be that it was broken to the root - but how long should I leave it before I get worried. I don't want the vet to say 'oh its never growing in lets remove the front teeth' - he loves his front teeth - as he told me last night when he had enough of me looking.

Thanks

Kate

 

[sport_billy]

@furryfriends (TEAS) any ideas advice?

Debbie is very knowledgeable on teeth

 

[Katiedid]

thank you.

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

It sounds like the root has been destroyed by infection, especially as you mention the tooth was discoloured. I think it is highly unlikely to regrow, but you don't need to have the rest of the incisors removed. Because the opposing upper tooth won't have anything to wear against, it will need burring, probably every month, although sometimes they can go longer, as it can still wear against the remaining bottom incisor. Guinea pigs manage completely fine with missing incisors. I do think you need to get the socket checked for infection, as your piggy may need a course of antibiotic, especially as it may be a brewing incisor root abscess.

 

[Katiedid]

Perfect thank you. I'm please I asked. We will head to the vets for some antibiotics. He normally gives baytril - is that ok or do we need something more?

 

[Katiedid]

Sorry also I take it they can burr it in a normal vets appointment rather than having to sedate them?

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

Sorry also I take it they can burr it in a normal vets appointment rather than having to sedate them?

They should be able to, but I hear time and time again that vets are saying they need to sedate. My vet does most dental work without sedation, so it really isn't necessary, but sadly lots do insist on sedation for incisor burring. Whatever you do though, do not clip the teeth. It can cause the tooth to splinter and for infection to get into the pulp cavity. I would suggest you ring around the vets and ask if they can do incisor burring without sedation.

 

[Katiedid]

Thank you. He did my old pig the first time I without sedation but then when he needed doing again he said he had to sedate and as the pig had cancer he didn't want to!

 

[helen105281]

It sounds like the root has been destroyed by infection, especially as you mention the tooth was discoloured. I think it is highly unlikely to regrow, but you don't need to have the rest of the incisors removed. Because the opposing upper tooth won't have anything to wear against, it will need burring, probably every month, although sometimes they can go longer, as it can still wear against the remaining bottom incisor. Guinea pigs manage completely fine with missing incisors. I do think you need to get the socket checked for infection, as your piggy may need a course of antibiotic, especially as it may be a brewing incisor root abscess.

My Barley is the perfect example of this, his bottom incisor fell out through infection and has never properly grown back but he copes well with the remaining one. He was given Zithromax for the infection. He goes just over a month usually between needed the remaining ones burring.