Broken Teeth?

**Minkness** · 02-07-16, 10:15 PM

How can I tell if I have teeth in a bite wound?

Tonight I was feeding and saved my adult IJ male for last (he's my farbage disposal lol) and I accidentally dropped the feeder right when he struck and he got me HARD. I hadn't bled that much in I don't know when! I immediately washed my hands in hot water and soap, then ran some cold water over it to help with the sting and swelling and held a paper towel against it till it stopped bleeding. When I was done I went back and tried again and he seemed pretty unphased for having just neen hooked onto me and me jerking. So I fed him. He was a bit more cautious, but struck just as hard and swollowes it in one gulp.

I'm worried that my jerking may have dislodged some teeth, but I have no idea how to tell. =(

Bellydragger94 · 02-07-16, 10:29 PM

You would notice teeth in your wound. They look like little tiny needles and usually carpets have nice sized teeth to from what I have see when I see mine strech there mouths.

**EL Ziggy** · 02-07-16, 10:37 PM

Sorry he got you Mink. I hope you're both ok.

**Minkness** · 02-07-16, 10:42 PM

Ok, I didn't see anything in my pin marks, just was worried that they might be like a splinters, can't always see them.

I'll definitely be ok, but I will be keeping an eye on him to make sure his mouth is ok. I feel terrible since it's my fault I dropped his dinner x.x

MDT · 02-07-16, 10:52 PM

they'd be small enough to work their way out. *if* you developed an abscess, say about 5-7 days later, it may well be a retained tooth. it happens, but not super common. if it does, go see your doc or urgent care.

how big is your IJ? sounds like he lit you up pretty good

**Minkness** · 02-07-16, 10:57 PM

He's an adult, easily 5 foot. He's been a bit jumpy and sketchy since I got him though. I don't think he got much handling other than feeding before I got him.

He actually hit so hard that my hand is bruised around the bite area.

What signs can I look for on him to make sure he's ok? Or what dhould I look out for if he did break a tooth? Do they grow back like in sharks?

serpentgirl123 · 02-07-16, 10:58 PM

I haven't been bit by my carpets, but when my adult boa bit me, I did pull out a few teeth from the wound (1 finger and part of the palm of the hand) and thought I was fine despite all the swelling (the boa was fine by the way, never got an abscess or anything).

But after about a week, I noticed it wasn't healing right and it hurt when I pressed on certain parts of the finger. I went into the doctors', got some X-Rays done, and that was when we discovered there were 3 teeth lodged into my finger. I ended up having to get surgery to remove them. I think if there are any teeth, you are going to know pretty soon.

MDT · 02-08-16, 08:19 AM

Yep, you'll def know. As far as the snake goes, they lose teeth all of the time. Trust me, it hurt you way more than it hurt your snake. He prob has replaced any lost teeth by now, or at least is in the process. At 5ft, his teeth *should* be large enough to show on radiograph if it comes to that. Keep it clean ad dry, 99% of the time, you'll be fine, other than sore...you need some 18" hemostats for feeding!!!

**Andy_G** · 02-08-16, 08:46 AM

I had my big ij completely hook trained but I forgot to touch him with it one day and he got me from across the cage right on the wrist. Bled like hell and I pulled a couple of teeth out. They lose teeth quite often and it usually goes down with the food since it's lodged in there. Like everyone else has said, watch and wait with your bite and your snake will be fine.

**Minkness** · 02-08-16, 08:53 AM

Ok, so...IF he lost teeth, they will grow back, right?

SnoopySnake · 02-08-16, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minkness

Ok, so...IF he lost teeth, they will grow back, right?

Yes, they will. The only thing I would really watch out for on him is any swelling around his mouth, but snakes loose teeth all the time, so he should be fine. Time for some 18" or 24" hemostats ey? I use 24's with my bigger/more voracious 2.

**Minkness** · 02-08-16, 09:12 AM

Yeah, I'll pick some up next payday. Hopefully this never happens again x.x

**EL Ziggy** · 02-08-16, 09:40 AM

Yeah I think it's time for some longer tongs for me too. My bulls and carpets strike range is rapidly increasing. Better safe than sorry

.

SnoopySnake · 02-08-16, 09:50 AM

Lol, I've been fortunate enough to not get bitten by my 6 ft white lip yet, I'd imagine the bite would be similar to what you experienced so I can sympathize with you haha.