TL;DR: Retained baby teeth are not a medical emergency but require a scheduled vet visit to prevent gum disease and overcrowding. A photo helps the triage team determine if extraction can wait for a routine spay or neuter surgery or if it needs immediate attention.
What are retained baby teeth and why do they occur in dogs?
- Retained deciduous teeth, often called "shark teeth," happen when puppy teeth do not fall out to make room for permanent adult teeth.
- Instead of the baby tooth falling out, the adult tooth grows in alongside it, creating a double row.
- This is most common in smaller breeds but can occur in any dog during the teething process.
Are retained baby teeth a medical emergency for my puppy?
- The urgency level is low; this condition does not require an immediate ER visit.
- It should be addressed by your veterinarian during a regular scheduled appointment.
- Untreated extra teeth cause overcrowding and trap bacteria, leading to premature periodontal disease and gum infections.
- Misalignment of the permanent adult bite is a common complication if the baby teeth are not removed.
How does taking a photo of my dog's mouth help with veterinary triage?
- A clear photo allows the triage team to identify exactly which teeth are affected.
- Veterinary professionals can check the image for secondary issues like red, inflamed gums or tartar buildup.
- Photos help the vet decide if extraction can wait until a planned spay or neuter surgery or needs to be scheduled sooner.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Retained deciduous teeth are common in dogs, particularly in small breeds such as Toy Poodles, and result from the failure of the periodontal ligament to detach from the deciduous tooth, often with the permanent canine teeth erupting rostrally or lingually to their deciduous counterparts. This retention can cause permanent tooth displacement, potentially leading to malocclusion or food entrapment and subsequent periodontal disease. Deciduous teeth should be extracted as soon as possible, taking care not to damage the underlying permanent tooth bud, especially when crowding occurs. Radiographs should be taken to verify there are no embedded or impacted permanent teeth and to evaluate the anatomy and root structure of smaller than normal premolars to determine if they are deciduous. Persistent deciduous teeth without a permanent tooth replacement may be left in place if the roots are strong, provided radiographs confirm the absence of underlying permanent teeth; however, if crowding occurs, the area is predisposed to periodontitis.
Chapter: Dentistry
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 164)