Fraser Overbite

Patient Information

Name: Fraser
Age: 15 months old
Breed: Labrador
Gender: Male, Neutered

“Since the operation, Fraser has not taken a backward step and has continued to grow into a happy, energetic, and enthusiastic member of our family.”

Presenting Problem

Fraser was recently adopted and presented with a notable overbite and mandibular micrognathia, indicating a smaller, underdeveloped mandible. During his first veterinary check-up, we noticed that Fraser was missing a right mandibular canine and a third incisor tooth. However, dental radiographs showed that these teeth hadn’t actually been lost but had failed to erupt, which could lead to potential complications.

Diagnostics and Treatment

Fraser’s treatment involved dental radiographs to evaluate the unerupted teeth, followed by the extraction of the normally erupted left mandibular canine due to the overbite and the trauma it was causing to the roof of the mouth. This approach was chosen instead of a height reduction procedure, which his owners opted against. Additionally, we extracted the impacted right mandibular canine and incisor teeth to prevent the development of dentigerous cysts, which could have led to more severe issues like changes in jaw structure or pathological fractures.

Outcome

Fraser responded well to treatment, although he experienced some wound breakdown at the right mandibular surgical site. We managed the issue effectively with simple wound care, and the site healed smoothly over a few weeks. Fraser has since thrived, showing no setbacks and integrating well into his new family.

Client Comments

“We are extremely pleased with Fraser’s treatment and the care he received.”

“Since the operation, Fraser has not taken a backward step and has continued to grow into a happy, energetic, and enthusiastic member of our family.”

“We are grateful for the excellent care provided.”

“The decision to remove these teeth has likely prevented more severe complications, allowing Fraser to maintain a healthy and active life.”

Veterinary Comments

“Fraser is fortunate to have found a dedicated family.”

“His malocclusion and the position of the left mandibular canine tooth were causing trauma to the roof of his mouth, which could have led to an oronasal fistula.”

“The non-erupted teeth were at risk of forming expansile cysts that could weaken the jaw.”

“The decision to remove these teeth has likely prevented more severe complications, allowing Fraser to maintain a healthy and active life.”

FAQs

My puppy has an overbite like Fraser — should I be worried about it causing problems?

An overbite caused by mandibular micrognathia (an underdeveloped lower jaw) can lead to teeth hitting the roof of the mouth or failing to erupt properly, which may require veterinary dental treatment.

If my dog looks like they’re missing teeth, could they actually be stuck under the gum?

Yes. Fraser appeared to be missing teeth, but dental X-rays showed they were unerupted and still present below the gumline, which can create complications if left untreated.

What does it mean when a tooth is described as “impacted”?

An impacted tooth is one that fails to erupt into its normal position and remains below the gumline, which can cause complications without proper management.

Did Fraser need surgery because of his overbite and the position of his teeth?

Yes — Fraser’s overbite was causing trauma to his palate, and surgical extraction of the problematic teeth, including the impacted canine and incisor, was performed to prevent pain and future issues.

Can extraction of impacted teeth help prevent more serious complications later on?

Yes — in Fraser’s case, removing the impacted and traumatising teeth helped prevent cyst formation and other severe jaw problems down the track.

Key Takeaways

Underdeveloped Jaw and Misalignment Can Mask Dental Problems

Mandibular micrognathia and associated overbite can hide unerupted teeth that may later cause pain or structural issues.

Radiographs Are Crucial for Accurate Diagnosis

Dental X-rays revealed teeth Fraser appeared to be missing, ensuring appropriate surgical planning before any intervention.

Removal of Impacted or Traumatic Teeth Prevents Future Complications

Extracting the traumatising left canine and the unerupted teeth reduced the risk of dentigerous cysts and further jaw damage.

Proper Surgical Care Supports Strong Recovery and Quality of Life

Despite a minor wound issue post-surgery, Fraser healed smoothly and showed no setbacks in energy or wellbeing.

Next steps

For Pet Owners

Are you concerned about your pet’s dental health? Call 1300 866 848 or fill out the contact form. We’ll coordinate with your primary vet to ensure the best outcome.

For Vets & Nurses

We’re here to help. If you’d like to refer a patient, please call us at 1300 866 848 , complete the referral form or email us with a brief case summary, relevant radiographs and lab results.

For advice and treatment guidance, email us with a brief case summary, relevant radiographs and lab results.

 


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Advanced Veterinary Dental Services

A comprehensive range of dental and oral surgery treatments.

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Complex Anaesthesia

We assess each patient individually, considering their health history, age and any concurrent medical conditions, to tailor the anaesthetic approach to their specific needs.

Surgical Extractions

Removing complex teeth safely and with minimal impact.

Vital Pulpotomy

A vital pulpotomy is a time-sensitive procedure used to preserve the life of a tooth when the pulp becomes exposed due to trauma or dental treatment.

Jaw Fractures

Jaw fractures in pets require precise treatment to restore both structure and function, with a strong focus on proper bite alignment.

Periodontal Treatment

Periodontal treatment goes beyond routine dental care to address the deeper damage caused by advanced gum disease.

Oral Surgery

Pet oral surgery can help treat dental problems, injuries, and other conditions affecting your pet’s mouth. Learn about the available procedures and how they can improve your pet’s comfort and oral health.

Dental and Oral Imaging

Dental and oral imaging helps veterinarians identify dental problems that may not be visible during a routine examination. Learn how these imaging techniques support accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for your pet.

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy can help save a damaged or infected tooth while relieving pain in pets. Learn how this dental procedure works and how it can help preserve your pet’s natural teeth and oral health.

Gingivoplasty

This procedure involves reshaping gum tissue to guide the eruption of canine teeth into a correct position, preventing traumatic occlusion and avoiding more invasive treatments.

Crown Height Reduction

Reducing the height of misaligned canine teeth and protecting the exposed pulp with a filling helps prevent chronic pain, preserve jaw structure and avoid extraction.

Inclined Plane – Crown Extensions

Orthodontic appliances like inclined planes or crown extensions can reposition misaligned canine teeth, preventing trauma and preserving tooth function without altering their shape.

Dog Braces (Orthodontics)

To address mesioverted  (‘lanced’ maxillary canine teeth) and manage linguoversion when the maxillary diastema (the space between the third incisor and canine teeth) is too narrow.

Restorations

Restorative dentistry repairs damaged teeth in pets, often using crowns, veneers and fillings. These procedures restore dental structure and function, ensuring long-term oral health.

Professional Dental Cleaning

Thorough cleaning and examination under anesthesia remove plaque and calculus, preventing periodontal disease and ensuring long-term oral health in pets.

Mandibulectomies and Maxillectomies

These surgeries involve partial or complete removal of the jaw to treat malignant oral tumours. Treatment options vary and may include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation.

Crown Amputation for Tooth Resorption

This procedure, often used for tooth resorption, involves removing the tooth crown while leaving the resorbing root remnant intact. It’s less invasive and used in cases where traditional extraction is no longer possible. Regular follow-up is recommended.