In some situations when your dog's tooth is broken or decayed beyond repair, an extraction will be necessary to stop the infection and allow your dog's mouth to heal. Here, our Riverside County vets explain what you can expect if your dog is getting a tooth removed.
Dog Dental Extractions
Veterinary tooth extraction refers to the process of surgically removing a tooth from the mouth of a dog. During the procedure, your dog will be put under general anesthesia in order to have the teeth extracted. This keeps them relaxed, stops them from struggling, and enables our veterinary team to perform the extraction in a risk-free manner.
The Necessity of Removing Dog Teeth
The majority of dogs will need to have their teeth extracted due to decay or advanced gum disease, both of which can be attributed to poor oral hygiene. When a tooth has been damaged beyond repair, it is necessary to have it extracted in order to prevent the infection and pain that are caused by the decayed tooth.
After your dog has its diseased tooth or teeth removed, you should speak to your veterinarian about the proper home care for your dog to prevent its other teeth from becoming similarly decayed. You should also be sure to bring your dog in for regular professional dental cleanings and examinations. Good dental care is essential to your pup's oral and overall health.
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.
What to Expect After Tooth Extraction in Dogs
Roots are what anchor each tooth in place within our mouths. In dogs, a single tooth can have anywhere from one to three roots holding it in place. When a tooth is extracted completely, each root must be taken out as well.
During the time that your dog is having dental work done, they will be sedated and under the influence of anesthesia. It is perfectly normal for them to feel groggy or lethargic when they wake up, and this state of being will likely last for the rest of the day.
You should be able to take your pet back home with you the same day the procedure was performed because the recovery time for this procedure is relatively short. If the hard kibble is your pet's primary source of nutrition, soak it in warm water for a few days before serving it to them. You should also wait until your dog's mouth has completely healed, which usually takes about two weeks, before playing tug of war with them. This will prevent further injury to their mouth.
There is also a possibility that you will find blood traces in your dog's saliva. Even though this is perfectly normal, there shouldn't be any serious bleeding at all. In that case, you should get in touch with your veterinarian as soon as possible.
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.