Teeth Extractions for Pets

Pet dental care is just as important as it is for their human companions. They can suffer from the same conditions that can result in infections affecting their well-being and causing unbearable pain. While poor dental hygiene can be the culprit for the need for dental extraction, our veterinarians at Confederate Ridge Animal Hospital in Fredericksburg would like to explore other reasons this pet surgery may be necessary.

Reasons Pet Dental Surgery May Be Necessary

Dental extractions are more common in canines than felines due to lifestyle factors. Dogs love to play tug of war, gnaw on bones, and may be involved in accidents. However, cats are not immune to needing a tooth removed. Periodontal disease weakens the gums and underlying bone, which can result in abscesses and infections. Other reasons why a pet might need dental extraction include the following:

    • Oral Trauma: Injuries to the mouth can break bones that may require dental extractions.

    • Broken Teeth: Teeth can break more easily as pets age and sometimes occur during playtime with cats and dogs.

    • Fractured Teeth: When teeth fracture, the pulp of the tooth is compromised, leading to infections and abscesses.

    • Oral Tumors: Should a tumor be located inside the mouth or in the jaw or neck, nearby teeth may require removal with dental pet surgery.

    • Orthodontic Abnormalities: Pets can have extra teeth, protruding teeth, or other dental issues that can be helped with extraction.

    • Deciduous Teeth: Like kids, cats and dogs have baby teeth, and those resistant to falling out on their own may require removal by our Fredericksburg, VA veterinarian.

The Dental Extraction Process

Each tooth is unique, so various challenges can be presented. However, our diligent pre-op exams and testing help us understand what we might be facing. Most surgeries are routine in nature, but either way, our vet follows this set of protocols and steps to ensure the best outcome:

    • Injection of a local anesthetic under continual monitoring of vital signs. This keeps pets sedated, so we can perform pre-op treatments and tests and the surgery itself.

    • Administering IV fluids for hydration.

    • Lab tests and x-rays to get to the root of the problem.

    • Cleaning all the gums and teeth.

    • Creating a surgical flap in the surrounding tissue near the site.

    • Isolating the roots and breaking down ligaments to extract the tooth.

Afterward, we perform more x-rays to make sure everything is removed and close the flaps. Pets may be ready to resume normal activity in a few days, but full healing can take up to 2 weeks.

Make Us Your Pet’s Dental Care Provider

Are you looking for a veterinarian near me? From routine checkups and dental cleanings to tooth extractions, our team at Confederate Ridge Animal Hospital in Fredericksburg offers first-rate veterinary care. Contact us to learn more about how we can help your pet live a longer, healthier life.