A guide to understanding dog tooth extraction and its necessity

Canine tooth extraction is a standard veterinary procedure for dogs with severe periodontal disease. Several reasons lead to periodontal diseases that require a tooth extraction in dogs. Let’s discover the causes and procedures of canine tooth extraction.

Reasons That Lead To Canine Tooth Extraction

• Untreated gum disease or periodontal disease is one of the common causes of canine tooth extraction, especially in senior dogs. In this disease, bacteria attack the tissues and periodontal ligaments that tie the tooth to its underlying bone. As the infection spreads deeper, it results in an abscess between the tooth and bone. Eventually, the tooth will become loose and fall out.

The severely affected tooth may resist loss and remain firmly attached when the roots are relatively healthy. However, the longer the diseased tooth remains attached, the longer and deeper the infection spreads. Infections are uncomfortable and smelly and put major organs at an increased risk. Therefore, canine tooth extraction becomes necessary even if the diseased tooth is not loose.

Additionally, canine tooth extraction may be necessary in the following cases:

Tooth Fractures

• When the fractures expose the tooth pulp, extraction becomes necessary. This is because the infection affects roots and causes a painful abscess.

Deciduous Teeth

• Deciduous teeth are also known as baby teeth. They need to be removed to make space for healthy, permanent teeth.

Oral Trauma

• Oral trauma that breaks a bone in the mouth requires tooth extraction.

Oral Tumors

• Nearby teeth need to be removed when the treatment of an oral tumor is under consideration.

Orthodontic Abnormalities

• Abnormal teeth, present where they don’t belong, require extraction.

How Is Canine Tooth Extraction Performed?

• A canine dental extraction is a surgical procedure performed by a veterinarian to remove a damaged or diseased tooth from a dog’s mouth. Since every tooth is unique, not all canine tooth extractions are equal.

Every tooth presents its challenges. Some are loose and easily extracted in one motion, while others require an hour-long surgery. Before the procedure, teeth and gums are cleaned. X-ray of the mouth is taken to determine the number of teeth that need extraction. The steps involved are:

Anesthesia

• The dog is given general anesthesia to make him comfortable during the procedure.

Oral Examination

• The vet examines the affected tooth and surrounding tissues.

Tooth extraction

• The vet uses specialized tools to loosen and remove the damaged tooth.

Closure

• Once the affected tooth is removed, the vet closes the wound with sutures to promote healing.

Pain Management

• Antibiotics and pain medications are prescribed to manage discomfort during recovery.

Aftercare

• The vet provides instructions for post-operative care and follow-up appointments.

Full Mouth Extraction

When periodontal disease progresses to an advanced stage, complete mouth extraction becomes necessary. Fortunately, dogs can live everyday life without teeth. Moreover, having no teeth is better than living with diseased teeth. Soft foods may be needed after complete mouth extraction. However, dogs adapt and do well without any oral pain or infection.

Recovery

• Dogs typically recover their activity and appetite within 48 to 72 hours. However, full recovery occurs after the healing of the incision and absorption of stitches. This usually takes two weeks. Therefore, your vet may advise soft food, limited activity, and no tooth brushing for several days to a week before returning to a routine.

Book an appointment with Autumn Trails and Veterinary Center to treat pet periodontal disease or 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.