Your Dog's Tooth Extraction
If your veterinarian has recommended that your dog have one or more teeth surgically removed (extracted), you're likely to wonder how this procedure is performed and about its potential implications.
Extractions can extend as deep as the roots, or the veterinarian may choose to stop at removing the dental crown (the portion of the tooth that's visible above the gums).
Why a Tooth Extraction is Necessary
Veterinarians will typically recommend removing a dog's teeth if they have sustained irreparable damage. This will help prevent infection from developing and pain from setting in due to the dead tooth. Dogs often need tooth extractions so they can live pain-free and enjoy a high quality of life with ideal oral health.
Your Dog's Tooth Extraction Procedure
Your dog's teeth are held in place by roots. Each individual tooth may be held in place by as many as three roots. All roots must be removed to fully and correctly extract a tooth from the mouth.
During his or dental surgery, your dog will be under anesthesia. Our veterinarians practice stringent surgical protocols for every patient procedure.
Your vet may need to order a CT scan or take an X-ray to assess how healthy the roots of your dog's teeth are. Large teeth will have multiple roots and are split using a high-speed dental drill so every fragment of the tooth will only have one root attached to it. This facilitates easier removal of the tooth.
Smaller teeth may only be held in place by a single root. Therefore, your vet might be able to remove them in their entirety without taking this extra step.
Factors That Determine the Cost of a Dog's Tooth Extraction
Your location and other factors can determine the cost of tooth extraction surgeries for dogs. These contributing factors include:
- Anesthesia
- Cleaning and X-rays
- IV fluids
- Blood work as required
- Hospitalization for the day
- Time spent in surgery
- The price of surgery itself
- Employee time spent monitoring your pet
- Surgical equipment and other items like sutures
- The location of the tooth being extracted (e.g.: a small tooth in the front of the mouth vs. a large back tooth that requires bone graft material to be placed on a surgical site).
Potential Complications Resulting From Dog Tooth Extraction
Complications due to veterinary tooth extractions are rare. Complications that do occur typically fall under a few categories: dental cavities that have not healed fully, remnants of teeth that have been removed, and damage to the jaw bone are all potential areas of complications that may occur during a dog tooth extraction.
Your veterinarian can answer any questions you may have about your dog's tooth extraction and provide information that may alleviate your fears or concerns.
What to Expect After Your Dog's Tooth Extraction
Recovery following a tooth extraction procedure should be relatively quick, and you should be able to take your pet home on the same day as the procedure. While there may be traces of blood in their saliva, no significant bleeding should occur. If there is, contact your vet immediately.
Our Mahopac vets recommend avoiding feeding your dog hard foods for a while until the area heals. If your dog eats primarily hard kibble, it can be softened in water before you serve it to them. For similar reasons, we also recommend that you avoid playing tug-of-war until your dog has fully recovered.
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.