Cat Tooth Removal Surgery
If your cat is in need of dental extraction, your veterinary dentist will put your cat to sleep using general anesthesia and then remove the bothersome tooth. This will help prevent injuries to both your cat and the dental team during removal and help keep your cat comfortable throughout the surgery.
The Causes Behind Dental Extractions
Poor oral hygiene is the leading cause of tooth extractions in cats. When a tooth is damaged beyond repair, it is important to remove it in order to prevent infection and pain caused by the decayed tooth.
If your cat has had tooth extraction surgery you should speak with your vet about how to provide proper at-home dental care in order to prevent future extractions. You should also be sure to bring your cat in for regular professional dental cleanings and examinations. Bringing your cat in for routine preventive care will help care for your kitty's teeth and ensure lifelong oral health.
Some of the other reasons that a cat may be in need of dental extractions include:
- 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 To Expect During Recovery After Tooth Extraction Surgery
All of your cat's teeth are held in place with roots. There can be as many as three roots per tooth and your vet will need to ensure that each of these roots are removed in order to complete a dental extraction.
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. It is recommended that any pet on a kibble diet has their food served in a little warm water for the first few days to help soften it.
Signs of Complications After Dental Surgery
While cats typically heal well after tooth extraction surgery, there may be occasional instances of complications during the recovery process. Some symptoms of concern that you should look out for include:
- 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.