Tooth extractions may be necessary to relieve pain and allow your dog's mouth to heal. Today, our San Mateo vets provide some information about tooth extractions in dogs so owners can know what to expect.
Dog Tooth Extractions
Occasionally, dogs may require a veterinary surgeon to extract one or multiple teeth. Such extractions can involve the removal of the entire tooth, including its roots, or only the visible part of the tooth above the gum line, known as the dental crown.
Why a Tooth Extraction is Necessary
When a tooth is severely damaged and cannot be repaired, it is crucial to have it extracted to prevent the onset of infection. This will also prevent your dog from experiencing further discomfort caused by the dead tooth. Dog tooth extractions are frequently necessary to ensure that the animal lives a pain-free life and maintains optimal oral health.
Following Your Dog's Tooth Extraction
Each of your dog's teeth is held in their mouth by roots. As many as three roots may be holding an individual tooth in place. All roots must be removed to extract a tooth correctly fully.
Your dog will be under the effects of anesthesia during their dental surgery. Our veterinarians practice stringent surgical protocols while operating on our patients.
To check how healthy the roots of your dog's teeth are, the vet may need to take an X-ray or perform a CT scan. Large teeth - those with multiple roots - are split using a high-speed dental drill so that every tooth fragment has only one root attached to it. Smaller teeth that have a single tooth root can be removed in their entirety without this extra step.
Potential Dog Tooth Extraction Complications
It is rare for veterinary tooth extractions to result in complications. However, if complications do occur, they usually fall into a few categories. These include dental cavities that have not fully healed, remnants of teeth that were extracted, and potential damage to the jaw bone.
Your Dog's Recovery From a Tooth Extraction
Recovery following a tooth extraction procedure should be relatively quick, and you should be able to take your pet home on the same day as the procedure. While there may be traces of blood in their saliva, no significant bleeding should occur. If there is, contact your vet immediately.
Our San Mateo vets recommend avoiding feeding your dog hard foods for a while until the area heals. If your dog eats primarily hard kibble, it can be softened in water before you serve it to them. For similar reasons, we also recommend that you avoid playing tug-of-war until your dog has fully recovered.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.