Sometimes, dogs might need their teeth taken out by a vet to stop in and help their mouth heal. In this article, our New York vets share some information about this process.
Dog Tooth Extractions
Vets can surgically remove one or more dog's teeth. They might take out the whole tooth, including the roots, or just the visible part above the gums.
Why a Tooth Extraction is Necessary
If a tooth is damaged to fix, it's best to remove it. This prevents infection from setting in - and your dog from suffering subsequent pain due to the dead tooth. Dog tooth extractions are often needed for the animal to live pain-free and achieve ideal oral health.
Following Your Dog's Tooth Extraction
Your dog's teeth are held in his or her mouth by roots. As many as three roots may be holding an individual tooth in place. All roots must be removed to extract a tooth correctly and fully.
Your dog will be under the effects of anesthesia during his or her dental surgery. Our veterinarians practice stringent surgical protocols while operating on our patients.
To check how healthy the roots of your dog's teeth are, the vet may need 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 every fragment of the tooth has only one root attached to it. Smaller teeth that have a single tooth root can be removed in their entirety without this extra step.
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.
Your Dog's Recovery From a Tooth Extraction
Your dog should recover fairly quickly after a tooth extraction, and you can usually take them home the same day as the procedure. While there might be a little bit of blood in their saliva, there shouldn't be any significant bleeding. If there is, contact your vet right away.
Our New York 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.