Sometimes, dogs may need to have their teeth removed by a veterinarian to help their mouth heal. In this article, our Babcock Ranch vets will provide some information about this procedure.
Dog Tooth Extractions
Veterinarians may perform tooth extraction on dogs, either removing only the visible part above the gums or the whole tooth, including the roots.
Why a Tooth Extraction is Necessary
If a tooth is damaged to fix, it's best to remove it. This prevents infection from setting in - and your dog from suffering subsequent pain due to the dead tooth. Dog tooth extractions are often needed for the animal to live pain-free and achieve ideal oral health.
Following Your Dog's Tooth Extraction
It's important to know that your dog's teeth are held in place by roots. In fact, an individual tooth may be held by as many as three roots. All roots must be removed to extract a tooth correctly and fully.
During your dog's dental surgery, they will be under the effects of anesthesia, and our veterinarians practice stringent surgical protocols to ensure your dog's safety.
To determine the health of your dog's roots, the vet may need to take an X-ray or perform a CT scan. For large teeth with multiple roots, a high-speed dental drill is used to split the tooth. This way, every fragment of the tooth has only one root attached to it.
Smaller teeth with a single root can be removed in their entirety without this extra step.
Potential Dog Tooth Extraction Complications
It's rare for dogs to have complications after tooth extractions at the vet's office. If they do occur, they typically fall into a few categories: incomplete healing of dental cavities, remnants of removed teeth, or damage to their jaw bone.
Your Dog's Recovery From a Tooth Extraction
Your dog should recover quickly after tooth extraction and will usually be able to go home on the same day as the procedure. Although there might be a small amount of blood in their saliva, there shouldn't be any significant bleeding.
However, if you notice bleeding, it is important to contact your vet immediately.
Our veterinarians, located throughout the site, recommend that you avoid feeding your dog hard food for a while until the area has healed. If your dog primarily eats hard kibble, it can be softened in water before serving.
Additionally, we advise against playing tug-of-war with your dog until it has fully recovered to avoid potential damage to the area.
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.