Does Your Pet Need Dental Surgery?

Dental health is a critical aspect of your pet’s overall well-being, yet many oral issues go unnoticed until they require surgical intervention. In some cases, a simple cleaning isn’t enough—dental extractions, root canals, or other advanced procedures may be necessary to alleviate pain and prevent infections.

At East Wind Animal Hospital, we specialize in diagnosing and treating dental issues to ensure your pet stays healthy and pain-free. This guide will cover when extractions are needed, what advanced dental procedures are available, and how to care for your pet after surgery.

Why Would a Pet Need Dental Surgery?

While routine dental cleanings help maintain oral health, some conditions require surgical intervention to prevent pain, infection, and tooth loss. Some of the most common reasons a pet may need dental surgery include:

1. Fractured or Broken Teeth

  • Pets can break teeth by chewing hard objects like bones, antlers, or synthetic chews.
  • A fractured tooth exposes the pulp, leading to pain and infection.
  • Treatment options include root canals (to save the tooth) or extraction (if the damage is severe).

Learn more about fractured tooth treatment from Today’s Veterinary Practice.

2. Advanced Periodontal Disease

  • When plaque and tartar build up, bacteria invade the gums, leading to tooth decay and bone loss.
  • In advanced cases, teeth become loose and painful, making extraction the best option.
  • Gum infections can spread to vital organs, including the heart and kidneys.

3. Tooth Root Abscesses

  • Infections at the root of a tooth can cause severe swelling and pain.
  • Common signs include facial swelling, reluctance to eat, and pus around the gums.
  • X-rays confirm whether the tooth needs extraction or root canal therapy.

4. Retained Baby Teeth

  • Some pets, especially small-breed dogs, do not lose all of their baby teeth.
  • Retained teeth can lead to crowding, misalignment, and increased plaque buildup.
  • Extraction of retained teeth helps prevent long-term dental issues.

5. Oral Tumors or Growths

  • Some pets develop benign or malignant tumors in the mouth.
  • Surgery is needed to remove abnormal growths and biopsy suspicious masses.

Advanced Dental Procedures for Pets

1. Dental Extractions

  • Performed when a tooth is damaged beyond repair.
  • Pets recover well after extractions, often feeling immediate relief from pain.
  • Pain management is crucial—learn more about multimodal pain relief for dental procedures from Today’s Veterinary Nurse.

2. Root Canal Therapy

  • A root canal saves a damaged tooth rather than removing it.
  • Recommended for large, important teeth like canines and molars.
  • Requires specialized equipment and expertise.

3. Dental X-Rays (Radiographs)

  • Many dental issues occur beneath the gumline, making X-rays essential for diagnosis.
  • Dental radiographs help identify:
    • Tooth root abscesses
    • Bone loss from periodontal disease
    • Fractures not visible externally

Learn more about the importance of dental radiographs from Vetstreet.

What to Expect During Your Pet’s Dental Surgery

Step 1: Pre-Surgical Evaluation

Before any dental surgery, your vet will:

  • Perform a full oral exam.
  • Take dental X-rays to assess hidden problems.
  • Conduct blood tests to ensure your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia.

Step 2: Anesthesia and Procedure

  • General anesthesia ensures your pet is comfortable and pain-free during surgery.
  • Learn more about safe anesthesia practices for dental procedures from AAHA.
  • The vet will extract or repair damaged teeth, then clean and polish the remaining ones.

Step 3: Post-Surgical Recovery

After surgery, your pet will need:

  • Pain medication and antibiotics to prevent infection.
  • Soft food for a few days to avoid discomfort.
  • Follow-up visits to monitor healing.

Preventing Dental Disease in Pets

To reduce the need for dental surgery, focus on proactive dental care:

1. Daily Brushing

  • Use pet-safe toothpaste to remove plaque.
  • Start slowly and reward your pet to create a positive experience.

2. Safe Chew Toys

  • Avoid hard chews like bones and antlers, which can cause fractures.
  • Read about safe and unsafe chew options from Preventive Vet.

3. Routine Veterinary Dental Exams

  • Annual dental check-ups catch issues early.
  • Professional cleanings prevent tartar buildup and gum disease.

Schedule a dental consultation at East Wind Animal Hospital.

When Does Your Pet Need Dental Surgery?

If your pet has bad breath, difficulty eating, or signs of pain, it may need dental surgery. Early intervention can prevent severe infections, tooth loss, and systemic health problems.

Schedule a dental exam today: Contact East Wind Animal Hospital
Meet our expert veterinary team: Meet Our Team