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 Little Elm vets explain what you can expect if your dog is getting a tooth removed.
Dog Dental Extractions
Occasionally when there are no options to save the tooth then your vet may perform tooth extraction surgery on your dog. During the extraction process, your dog will be put under general anesthesia in order to minimize any pain that your dog may feel as well as provide our veterinary team with an opportunity to perform the procedure without a struggle or potential complications.
Why might dog tooth extractions be necessary?
If a dog is in the late stages of dental disease and decay then the tooth requiring care may no longer be able to be repaired and will require extraction in order to avoid potential infection and unnecessary pain for your dog.
Once your vet has completed the required tooth extraction surgery, you should discuss the proper at-home care for your dog to prevent their 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.
Other than dental and gum disease and decay, your vet may also remove your dog's teeth 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 should I expect after my dog has undergone tooth extraction surgery?
Each of the teeth in your dog's mouth is being held in place by roots. Each of these teeth can have as many as three roots and in order to successfully complete an extraction, your vet will need to remove all of the roots.
During your dog's dental surgery they will be under the effects of anesthesia. It is entirely normal for your dog to seem groggy and slow the first day after they have woken up from the anesthesia. They will become more alert as they begin to recover.
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.