TL;DR: Retained baby teeth occur when a puppy's deciduous teeth fail to fall out, and while not an emergency, they require a veterinary visit to prevent long-term dental disease or bite issues.
What are retained deciduous teeth in puppies?
Retained deciduous teeth occur when a puppy's baby teeth fail to fall out to make room for the permanent adult teeth. This often results in a "double row" of teeth, most commonly seen with the upper canine teeth. It is a common developmental milestone issue where the adult tooth root does not properly trigger the absorption of the baby tooth root.
Is it a veterinary emergency if my puppy has retained baby teeth?
- Urgency Level: Low. Retained baby teeth are not an immediate life-threatening emergency, but they should not be ignored.
- Left in place, these extra teeth can cause dental crowding and trap food and debris.
- They can lead to premature periodontal disease or a painful misaligned bite.
- You should schedule a routine appointment with your veterinarian to discuss extraction.
How does taking a photo of my dog's teeth help the veterinarian during triage?
- It allows a veterinary professional to see the position of the adult tooth relative to the baby tooth.
- It helps the vet check for signs of gum inflammation or infection.
- High-quality images help determine if the issue needs to be addressed during your next scheduled visit or if a separate dental consultation is required sooner.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Retained deciduous teeth are common in dogs due to the failure of the periodontal ligament to detach from the deciduous tooth. Permanent canine teeth typically erupt rostrally to the deciduous teeth. Small breeds, particularly Toy Poodles, are overrepresented. Retention can cause permanent tooth displacement, potentially leading to malocclusion or food entrapment and subsequent periodontal disease. A deciduous tooth should be extracted when it remains firmly attached after its successor permanent tooth has erupted. Radiographs should be taken to verify there are no embedded or impacted permanent teeth at the site and that the roots are not being resorbed. Persistent deciduous teeth without a permanent tooth replacement may be left in place if the roots are strong. Because most persistent deciduous teeth are genetic, affected animals should not be bred unless the condition is known to have been caused by trauma.
Chapter: Dentistry
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 164)