If your dog has a broken or badly decayed tooth, in today's post, our Douglasville vets will discuss what to expect when removing the tooth to help relieve pain and restore your pup's good oral health.
Understanding Dog Dental Extractions
A veterinarian surgically removes a dog's tooth in a procedure known as dog tooth extraction. Your dog will undergo general anesthesia during the extraction, ensuring their comfort, preventing struggles, and enabling our veterinary team to carry out the procedure safely.
At Douglasville Veterinary Hospital, our veterinarians acknowledge that learning about your dog requiring dental surgery can be overwhelming. However, we assure you that we are dedicated to streamlining the extraction process for you and your dog.
If it's determined that your canine companion needs dental surgery, your vet will guide you through each step of the process and address any questions you may have about the procedure or recovery. We aim to make sure your experience at our pet hospital is stress-free and efficient.
Why Your Dog May Need Dental Surgery
In most cases, a dog must have a tooth removed due to decay or advanced gum disease caused by poor oral hygiene. When a tooth is damaged beyond repair, it is important to remove it to prevent infection and pain caused by the decayed tooth.
After your dog has its diseased tooth or teeth removed, you should speak to your veterinarian about the proper home care to prevent its other teeth from becoming similarly decayed. You should also bring your dog for regular professional dental cleanings and examinations. Good dental care is essential to your pup's oral and overall health.
Besides the common cause of gum disease and decay, your dog may also need a tooth removed for the following reasons:
- Fractured or broken teeth - Broken teeth can lead to painful abscesses and infection.
- Deciduous teeth - Baby teeth that do not fall out on their own may need to be removed.
- Oral tumors - The treatment of tumors may involve extracting nearby teeth.
- Orthodontic abnormalities - Just like humans, sometimes dogs have teeth where they don't belong.
What to Expect After Tooth Extraction in Dogs
The roots in our mouths secure all our teeth. As many as three roots can hold an individual tooth in dogs. To completely extract a tooth, removing all roots is necessary.
Your dog will be under the effects of anesthesia during dental surgery. Upon waking up, they may feel groggy or lethargic for the rest of the day – a normal occurrence.
Because recovery from this procedure is relatively swift, you can bring your pet home on the same day. If your pet primarily consumes hard kibble, soften it in warm water for a few days before serving. Also, refrain from playing tugging games with your dog until their mouth has fully healed, typically around 2 weeks.
You might observe traces of blood in your dog's saliva, which is normal. However, any significant bleeding warrants immediate contact with your veterinarian.
Possible Complications of Dog Dental Surgery
If the tissue at the site of your dog's tooth extraction becomes infected, you will likely notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- Bad odor from your dog's mouth
- Swelling of the lower or upper jawline or under your pup's eyes
- Refusal to eat
- Runny nose or drooling
- Lack of energy
Even though antibiotics may have been sent home as part of surgery aftercare, you should check in with your dog's veterinarian if you notice any of the signs listed above.
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.