Learn about the 5 dental issues that necessitate tooth extraction in pet
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While some dental problems can be prevented, others can necessitate tooth extraction in your pet. When a disease is left unaddressed, it becomes too advanced, and a tooth cannot be saved. Opting for a tooth extraction can relieve your pet from the discomfort and pain caused by untreated teeth. Keep reading to learn about common dental problems in pets that require tooth extraction.
Periodontal Disease
- Periodontal disease is one of the prevailing dental diseases in dogs and cats. It is caused by the immune system’s inflammatory response to plaque bacteria that deteriorates periodontal tissues. The process begins within the gingiva, leading to inflammation or gingivitis.
Gingivitis can advance to affect deeper structures that provide tooth support. With the progression of periodontal disease, attachment loss around the tooth intensifies. This can quickly reach a stage where it becomes impossible to save the tooth, necessitating the extraction of the affected tooth.
Pulp Exposure
- Complicated crown fractures are conditions where a tooth fracture exposes the tooth’s pulp. The tooth pulp includes blood vessels and nerves. Complicated crown fractures are painful, infected, dead, or dying. These fractures commonly occur when a pet chews on solid objects like rocks, bones, antlers, or rigid toys.
In addition, sudden oral trauma can also lead to crown fractures or pulp exposure. Therefore, it is crucial not to ignore these fractured teeth and opt for prompt intervention. Treatment options typically involve either root canal therapy or extraction. However, root canal therapy spares the pets from undergoing a surgical extraction procedure.
Uncomplicated Crown Fractures
- Also referred to as chip fractures, uncomplicated crown fractures cause damage to the enamel and underlying dentin without extending into the pulp chamber. These fractures are frequently detected during oral examinations. While the pulp is not directly exposed, pulp infections may occur through the exposed porous dentin. Bacteria can enter dentin tubules and cause pulp infection. Blunt force trauma frequently results in irreversible pulp inflammation, tooth discoloration, and eventual tooth death.
In both scenarios, infection and the development of tooth root abscesses can occur. This can lead to considerable pain and discomfort, impacting the individual’s quality of life. The treatment for such cases typically involves root canal therapy or tooth extraction. Some uncomplicated crown fractures may not cause your pet’s tooth to deteriorate irreversibly and can be addressed by smoothing the fracture site and sealing it with a bonding agent.
Tooth Resorption
- Tooth resorption is a condition that affects both dogs and cats. It causes the breakdown of tooth structure, leading to nerve exposure and pain. Tooth resorption is particularly common among cats, affecting around a third of the feline population. Animals struggling with tooth resorption often show changes in behavior or eating habits. With nerve exposure, the recommended treatment is invariably tooth extraction.
Caries
Commonly known as cavities, carries are detected on the biting surfaces of molar teeth in dogs. They lead to the deterioration of enamel and dentin, reaching a point where the pulp becomes exposed. Cavities originate from the bacterial breakdown of highly refined carbohydrates, which produce lactic and acetic acid that progressively erodes enamel and dentin.
Early detection and diagnosis increase the possibility of treating cavities through dental fillings. However, if delayed, a cavity can eventually erode the enamel and dentin layers, exposing the pulp chamber. In cases where the tooth hasn’t undergone extensive damage, root canal therapy might be considered. However, extraction becomes necessary to address these situations properly.
Book an appointment with Autumn Trails and Veterinary Center to treat pet periodontal disease or for professional tooth extraction. We perform dental services to keep your pet’s mouth looking and feeling great. We are located in Charlottesville, VA. Appointments are conveniently available; call us at (434) 971-9800.
