Pet Dental Extractions
At the Animal Dental Center, we prefer to save teeth as often as possible using pet dental extractions known as endodontic root canal therapy. However, there are many indications for surgical extraction of dog and cat teeth. These include:
- Periodontal disease that left the teeth unstable/loose (due to the loss of bone and other supportive structures) and periodontal surgery or procedures would be ineffective in improving the health of a tooth.
- Fractured or abscessed tooth where an endodontic procedure or root canal is not appropriate or cost and follow-up care are concerns.
- Chronic gingivitis/stomatitis
- Resorptive lesions
- Severely fractured teeth
Surgical Tooth Extraction: The Safest Method For Pets
Most of our pets (cats and dogs) are carnivores and therefore their root structures are complex and deep into the surrounding bone. Most tooth extractions require an incision of the gingiva and minimal removal of bone to ensure extraction of the entire tooth. Surgical approaches for extractions are the most efficient and safest means of tooth extractions for pets. Many roots are fragile and closely located to other important anatomical structures like major blood vessels, nerves, nasal cavity and even the eye. Roots must be completely removed and the surrounding bone must also be treated. Improperly performed extractions pose a serious infection risk due to the small bone and root fragments left inside of the gums.
After ensuring that all tooth material and roots are completely removed, our surgical extraction sites are sutured closed to prevent complications during the healing process. The sutures dissolve and fall out over a period to 2-6 weeks. As a result, we rarely have to remove the sutures after the healing is complete.
Thinking about Anesthesia Free Pet Dentistry?
Call (410) 828-1001 to make an appointment at any of our locations or click below to contact us.
