Sometimes, dogs need to have their teeth pulled by a vet to help their mouths heal. In this article, our vets in Meadow Vista give you some information about this process.
Dog Tooth Extractions
Veterinarians can surgically extract one or more of a dog's teeth. They can remove the entire tooth, including the roots, or just the visible part above the gums.
Why a Tooth Extraction is Necessary
If a tooth is too damaged to be repaired, it's best to remove it. This will prevent an infection from setting in and your dog from suffering further pain from the dead tooth. Dental extractions are often necessary so your pet can live pain-free and enjoy ideal oral health.
Following Your Dog's Tooth Extraction
Your dog's teeth are held in his mouth by roots. There may be as many as three roots holding a tooth in place. All roots must be removed to extract a tooth properly and completely.
Your dog will be under anesthesia during dental surgery. Our veterinarians apply rigorous surgical protocols when operating on their patients.
To check the health of your dog's tooth roots, the vet may take an X-ray or perform a CT scan. Large teeth - those with several roots - are split with a high-speed dental drill so that each tooth fragment has only one root left. Smaller teeth with a single root can be removed without this additional step.
Potential Dog Tooth Extraction Complications
It's unusual for dogs to experience complications after a dental extraction at the vet. If they do happen, they generally fall into a few categories: incomplete healing of dental cavities, remnants of extracted teeth, or jawbone lesions.
What to Expect After Tooth Extraction on a Dog
Your dog should recover fairly quickly after a tooth extraction, and you can usually take him home the same day as the procedure. Although there may be some blood in his saliva, there should be no significant bleeding. If there is, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Our vets Meadow Vista recommend avoiding giving your dog hard food until the area has healed. If your dog eats mainly hard kibbles, you can soften them in water before serving. For the same reasons, we recommend avoiding playing tug-of-war until your dog fully recovers.
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.
