Removing Dog Teeth
A dog tooth extraction is when one of your dog's teeth is surgically removed by a veterinarian. Throughout the extraction process, your dog will be under general anesthesia. General anesthesia will keep your beloved pet comfortable while also preventing them from struggling. Allows your veterinary team to safely complete the extraction process with minimal fuss.
Reasons Why Your Dog's Tooth May Need to Be Extracted
In the majority of cases, a canine tooth extraction is necessary due to decay or advanced gum disease caused by poor oral hygiene. When a tooth is damaged beyond repair, it is important to remove it in order to prevent infection and pain caused by the decayed tooth.
Besides the common cause of gum disease and decay, your dog may also need a tooth removed for the following reasons:
- Fractured or broken teeth - Broken teeth can lead to painful abscesses and infection.
- Deciduous teeth - Baby teeth that do not fall out on their own may need to be removed.
- Oral tumors - The treatment of tumors may involve the extraction of nearby teeth.
- Orthodontic abnormalities - Just like humans, sometimes dogs have teeth where they don't belong.
Once the diseased tooth or teeth have been removed, your vet will provide you with detailed instructions on proper at-home oral health care for your dog in order to prevent their other teeth from becoming similarly decayed. Annual dental exams at your vet's office will also help to prevent further decay or gum disease. Much like our annual trips to the dentist, yearly veterinary dental exams and cleanings allow your veterinary team to prevent dental issues from developing, and/or detect and treat developing oral health problems before they become severe.
What to Expect After Tooth Extraction in Dogs
Your dog's teeth are all held in position by the roots of each individual tooth. Dogs have as many as three roots holding each individual tooth. In order to fully extract a tooth, all roots must be removed.
During your dog's dental surgery they will be under the effects of anesthesia. When they wake up they may be groggy or lethargic for the remainder of the day - this is completely normal.
As the recovery from this procedure is relatively quick, you should be able to bring your pet home on the same day as the procedure. If your pet eats primarily hard kibble, you can soften it in warm water for a few days before serving. You should also avoid playing any tugging games with your dog until their mouth has completely healed, which typically takes around 2 weeks.
You may also notice traces of blood in your dog's saliva. While this is normal, there should not be any significant bleeding. If there is, contact your veterinarian immediately.
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.