Dental extraction is one of the most common types of pet surgery. It's natural to be worried about your pet, but extraction is a simple and safe procedure. At Liberty Vet Pets in Philadelphia, we offer dental extractions and pet dental care.
Common Causes of Dental Extraction
The most common reason for dental extraction in pets is periodontal disease. This happens when bacteria infect the tissue that secures the tooth to the gums. Over time, the infection can affect the area between the tooth and the bone, which is known as an abscess. Teeth can have several roots, so one root can be infected while the other roots keep the tooth in place. In this case, removing the tooth can allow the infection to be treated properly.
If a tooth is fractured, it needs to be removed. Broken teeth can develop an infection, which poses a risk to your pet. Oral tumors and malformations in the mouth can also mean teeth should be extracted. Lastly, your veterinarian may remove a tooth if it's deciduous, or a baby tooth, that hasn't fallen out to make room for the adult tooth.
How is Tooth Extraction Performed?
Typically, your pet will be put to sleep, known as general anesthesia, before dental work is performed. This allows your vet to do any needed dental procedures while your pet is asleep. This makes the process easy for your dog and allows the veterinarian to do the needed work.
Once your pet is asleep, your vet will clean your pet's teeth and gums. They will get a dental x-ray and determine which tooth or teeth need to be removed. They may inject a local anesthetic to prevent your pet from feeling pain. Then, they will make small incisions near the tooth and use a drill to remove bony tissue that is attached to the tooth root. Now the tooth can be extracted. The area will be cleaned and incisions will be stitched.
What to Expect After a Tooth Extraction
After a tooth extraction, your pet will need a bit of time to recover. Your pet will experience some pain for a few days after the procedure. Your vet will prescribe pain medication for your pet's discomfort. You may also notice that your pet is reluctant to eat or drink after the surgery. However, they should be eating within 24 hours. It's best to feed them soft or wet food for a few days.
Dental Extractions at Liberty Vet Pets
If you are searching for pet dental care in Philadelphia, contact Liberty Vet Pets. We can perform dental extractions and offer regular dental care to prevent dental problems in the future.