Sometimes, dogs may require dental extractions performed by a veterinarian to promote healing in their mouth. In this post, our Chino Hills vets provide more information about this procedure.
What happened during a Dog Tooth Extraction
During a dog tooth extraction, also known as removing dog teeth, veterinarians typically perform several steps, including:
- Preparation - The veterinarian will begin by examining the dog's overall health and may conduct preoperative tests to ensure the animal is healthy enough for the procedure. This process includes administering anesthesia to keep the dog comfortable and still during the extraction.
- Extraction - Once the dog is under anesthesia, the veterinarian will carefully extract the problematic tooth. This process may involve loosening the tooth from its socket using specialized dental instruments and gently pulling it out.
- Closure - After extracting the tooth, the veterinarian may need to close the extraction site to promote healing, which can involve suturing the gum tissue if necessary.
- Postoperative Care - After the surgery, the veterinarian will provide instructions for postoperative care, which may include managing pain, administering antibiotics to prevent infection, and advising on suitable soft foods for your dog during the recovery period. Additionally, the veterinarian will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your dog's healing progress.
It's essential to carefully follow the veterinarian's instructions to ensure the dog's quick recovery and minimize potential procedure complications.
When are dog teeth extractions necessary?
The most common reasons your dog might need to have its teeth removed are 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 proper oral care to prevent its other teeth from becoming similarly decayed and to prevent the need for future tooth extractions. It would be best if you also brought your dog in for regular professional dental cleanings and examinations. Good dental care is essential for your pup's oral and overall health.
In addition to gum disease and decay, your dog may also require a tooth extraction 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.
Potential Dog Tooth Extraction Complications
It's rare for dogs to have complications after tooth extractions at the vet's office. If they do occur, they typically fall into a few categories: incomplete healing of dental cavities, remnants of removed teeth, or damage to their jaw bone.
What to Expect After Tooth Extraction on Your Dog
After your dog has had a tooth extraction, they should recover fairly quickly. Most of the time, you can take them home on the same day as the procedure. While there might be some blood in their saliva, there shouldn't be any significant bleeding. If you notice any heavy bleeding, don't hesitate to contact your vet immediately.
Our veterinarians, advise against feeding your dog hard foods for some time until the area heals. If your dog eats primarily hard kibble, you can soften it in water before serving it to them.
For similar reasons, we recommend avoiding playing tug-of-war with your dog until they have fully recovered.
The Cost of Tooth Extractions for Dogs
The cost of a dog's tooth extraction will vary from clinic to clinic and from pet to pet. This is because several different factors contribute to the final cost.
This can be the clinic's location, the practitioner's expertise, or the type of equipment used. The age and species of your pet also play a role in the final amount that you will pay.
Please speak with your vet to discuss the estimated cost for your pet and a breakdown of the bill.
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.