Dental Extractions For Cats
If your cat suffers from advanced dental decay they may be in need of a tooth extraction. during the extraction, your vet will place your cat under general anesthesia to keep them safe and comfortable. This will also help to prevent them from struggling and allows our veterinary team to safely complete the extraction.
When are cat tooth extractions needed?
In most cases, a cat will have to have a tooth removed due to decay or advanced gum disease caused by poor oral hygiene. at this stage of tooth decay, an extraction will be necessary to prevent further infection and to relieve the pain caused by the tooth.
If your cat requires a tooth extraction then you should also speak with your vet about how you can help prevent this from happening again. You should also be sure to bring your cat in for regular professional dental cleanings and examinations. Good dental care is essential to your kitty's oral and overall health.
Besides the common cause of gum disease and decay, your cat 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 the extraction of nearby teeth.
- Orthodontic abnormalities - Just like humans, sometimes cats have teeth where they don't belong.
What can you expect during recovery after your cat's tooth extraction surgery?
Teeth all are held into our mouths by roots. In cats, as many as three roots can be holding an individual tooth. To fully extract a tooth, all roots must be removed.
During your cat's dental surgery, they will be under the effects of anesthesia. When they wake up they may be groggy or lethargic for the remainder of the day - this is completely normal.
As the recovery from this procedure is relatively quick, you should be able to bring your pet home on the same day as the procedure. If your pet eats primarily hard kibble, you can soften it in warm water prior to serving it for the first few days.
Signs of Complications After a Cat Tooth Extraction
While cats typically heal well after tooth extraction surgery, there may be occasional instances of complications during the recovery process. Some of the symptoms to watch out for are:
- A foul odor coming from your cat’s mouth
- A slight swelling on the lower or upper jawline, or under the eye area; the eye may also seem to bulge or protrude from your cat’s head
- Refusal of food
- Drainage from the nose or mouth
- General sluggishness
- Drooling
- Pawing at the mouth or rubbing their face on the ground
- Dropping food while eating
You may also notice traces of blood in your cat's saliva. While this is normal, there should not be any significant bleeding. If there is, contact your veterinary dentist immediately.
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.