At South Sacramento Pet Hospital, our team prioritizes prevention and routine care when it comes to the oral health of pets. However, there are situations where tooth extractions are required. In this post, our Sacramento vets talk about veterinary dental surgery and tooth extractions for cats.
Tooth Extractions For Cats
Dental extractions for cats are when a veterinarian removes any teeth or sections of teeth from your cat's mouth. Extractions could include the removal of an entire tooth and root or just of the portion of the tooth that is generally visible.
When Cats Need Oral Surgery & Tooth Extractions
Vets generally recommended extractions when a tooth is dead or damaged to a point where it can't be repaired. Failure to remove these teeth could lead to infections or additional complications. Tooth extractions are often needed to help the cat live a pain-free life and achieve optimal oral health.
What To Expect During & After Your Cat's Tooth Extraction
In cats, teeth are held in place by roots, and there can be as many as three roots per tooth. In order for a tooth to be fully extracted, all of the roots have to be removed.
Your veterinary team will use anesthesia during your kitty's surgery. Our Sacramento vets practice stringent surgical protocols when operating on our patients.
In order to examine the health of your cat’s tooth roots, your vet might have to take an X-ray or perform a CT scan. Large teeth (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 Complications of Dental Surgery For Cats
It's rare for cats to experience complications during or after dental surgery. When complications do arise, they usually belong to a handful of categories; the remnants of removed teeth, dental cavities which have not fully healed, and jaw bone damage.
Recovery For Cats After Tooth Extractions
For cats, dental surgery recovery is usually fairly quick and straightforward. You should be able to bring your kitty home the same day as their procedure. There may be trace amounts of blood in your cat's saliva, but no significant bleeding. If there is, call your vet immediately. Our Sacramento vets recommend avoiding hard foods until their new oral cavities heal. If your cat eats mostly hard kibble, you can make it softer by adding a bit of water.
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.