A cat will sometimes need to have a tooth extracted to alleviate pain and allow your feline friend's mouth to heal. Today our Kittrell vets give the low down on cat tooth removal.
What is a pet dental extraction?
A cat tooth extraction is when all or part of a pet's tooth is surgically removed by a veterinarian. Extractions can go as deep as the roots or might stop at removing the dental crown (the part of the tooth which is visible above the gums)
The Necessity of Removing a Cat's Teeth
When a tooth is damaged beyond repair, it is important to remove it in order to prevent infection and pain caused by the dead tooth. Cat tooth extractions are often required for the animal to live pain-free and achieve optimal oral health.
What to Expect After your Cats Tooth Extraction
Teeth all are held into our mouths by roots - in cats as many as three roots can be holding an individual tooth. To properly fully extract a tooth, all roots must be removed.
During your cat's dental surgery they will be under the effects of anesthesia. Our veterinarians practice stringent surgical protocols when operating on our patients.
In order to check the health of your cat’s roots, the vet might have to take an x-ray or perform a CT scan. Large teeth, that is those with multiple roots, are split using a high-speed dental drill so that each fragment of the tooth has only one root attached to it. Smaller teeth that have one root can be completely removed without this extra step.
Potential Cat Tooth Extraction Complications
Complications from veterinary tooth extractions are rare. Those complications which do occur usually belong to a handful of categories; the remnants of removed teeth, dental cavities which have not fully healed, and damage to the jaw bone are all potential areas of complication that can arise during a cat tooth extraction.
Recovery After a Pet Tooth Extraction
Recovery is relatively quick following the procedure. You should be able to bring your pet home on the same day as the procedure. There may be trace amounts of blood in their saliva, but no significant bleeding. If there is, contact a vet immediately. Our Kittrell vets advise avoiding hard food for a while their new oral cavities heal. If your pet eats primarily hard kibble, you can soften it in water before serving; for similar reasons, it is advisable that you withhold from playing tug-of-war until your cat is fully recovered.
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.