How Long Should You Wait for Retained Puppy Teeth to Fall Out?
Why Retained Puppy Teeth Happen
Puppies have deciduous (baby) teeth that eventually fall out as they grow, and their permanent adult teeth come in. However, the baby teeth can sometimes become retained, so they don’t fall out independently. This can happen when the roots of the baby teeth haven’t fully developed or if the permanent tooth doesn’t come in at the right angle about its predecessor. In either case, it’s important to visit your veterinarian if you think your puppy may have retained teeth so they can help determine what should be done next.
Potential Complications of Retained Teeth
If a puppy has retained teeth, potential complications need to be considered.
These include:
- Difficulty eating – The retained tooth can push against the incoming adult tooth, making it difficult for your pup to chew and eat properly.
- Tooth decay – When a retained puppy tooth is still in place after an adult tooth has emerged, food particles may get caught between them and create a breeding ground for bacteria which could lead to cavities or even abscesses.
- Jaw misalignment – If both an adult and baby tooth occupy the same space in your pup’s mouth at once, this could cause serious jaw problems over time due to improper alignment of the jaws when it comes time for chewing and biting down on food or toys during playtime.
Treatment Options
To remove retained puppy teeth safely and without discomfort to your pet, most veterinarians recommend one of two treatments:
- Extraction – This involves surgically removing each retained tooth with forceps and any roots attached to them since pulling them out by hand is usually ineffective.
- Splinting – This is an option typically used when there are more than one or two kept puppies’ teeth involved—each set is splinted together using dental wire or elastic bands until they fall out naturally over time with regular follow-up visits at the vet office for monitoring purposes
How Long Will It Take?
Since every case is different when it comes to waiting for a puppy’s retained teeth to fall out naturally or after being splinted together, there’s no uniform answer when it comes to figuring out exactly how long this process will take since all pups will respond differently depending on their age and overall health condition before treatment is started. However, given that most cases resolve themselves within six weeks following treatment without any further complications, this general timeline should serve as a good marker for owners trying to figure out just how long they should wait before all juvenile dental issues are resolved successfully!
Wrap Up
Retained puppy teeth can be an unexpected dental issue for pet owners, but with the right care and treatment, your pup should be able to enjoy a healthy mouth in no time. Be sure to keep an eye on changes in your pet’s oral health, and contact your vet if you notice any abnormalities so they can help determine the best course of action. With proper care and regular follow-up visits, you can get your pup back on track and feel better in no time!
If you want to give your pet the care and attention they deserve, get them insured with Furrr.co.uk. With tailored plans for dogs, cats, and other pets, you can find what’s best for your pup and have peace of mind that they’re covered against any potential issues in the future. Get started
