04/09/2026
🦷Have you ever wondered what’s hiding underneath your dog’s gums? 🦷
Meet Bob! 🐶
Bob came in for a dental procedure to treat periodontal disease, and during his treatment we got a fantastic look at something we don’t often get to see — a whole dog tooth, complete with all three of its roots!
This particular molar came out in one piece, which was especially interesting to see. Normally, three-rooted teeth need to be carefully split into sections to allow us to remove them safely. In Bob’s case, the surrounding bone had been affected by his periodontal disease, which meant the tooth was able to be removed whole🔍
What a great visual it gives us!
You can clearly see the three roots extending from the tooth. These roots sit down inside the jawbone and act as the anchors that keep the tooth firmly in place.
When periodontal disease develops, the tissues and bone supporting these roots can gradually be affected. This is one of the reasons dental disease can be difficult to spot just by looking at the visible part of a tooth — there’s a lot going on underneath the gumline!
Bob did really well with his procedure and is now on his way to a healthier, more comfortable mouth💚🐾
We love being able to share little glimpses like this to show you the fascinating anatomy behind your pet’s smile!
