Dental Extractions

Dental Extractions: Relieving Your Pet's Oral Pain

Dental extractions are a common and often necessary procedure to alleviate pain and restore comfort for your furry family member. Whether it is a pet with a broken or loose tooth,  or a pet that is dropping food because of mouth pain, we can help.  While the idea of a tooth extraction may sound daunting, it's frequently the best way to address serious oral health issues that can significantly impact your pet's quality of life.

Why does my pet need dental extractions?

We perform dental extractions for several important reasons:

Advanced Periodontal Disease: This is the most common culprit. When bacteria and hardened plaque (tartar) build up on teeth, they cause a progressive infection that damages the gums and bone supporting the tooth. In severe cases, too much bone is lost, making the tooth unstable and painful, requiring removal.

Painful Tooth Fractures: Just like humans, pets can break their teeth due to trauma or aggressive chewing. If a fracture exposes the inner pulp chamber (containing nerves and blood vessels), it can lead to intense pain and infection, often resulting in an abscess.

Tooth Resorption (Especially in Cats): This is a surprisingly common and painful condition where the tooth structure itself begins to break down. These lesions are excruciating, and unfortunately, extraction is the only way to eliminate the pain. Resorptive teeth can sometimes be brittle, making the extraction more delicate.

Other Reasons: Less commonly, extractions might be needed for persistent baby teeth, overcrowding, or tumors.

Our Gentle Approach to Extractions

The technique for extracting a tooth varies based on its size, the number of roots it has, and how much dental disease is present. Our experienced veterinary team uses precise methods tailored to each situation.  Learn more about the VetTome, which is reducing pain and bone loss in pet tooth extractions.

How are you able to minimize risk to my pet, yet still ensure comfort with pet dental procedures?

We understand your concerns about your pet's safety and comfort. While risks like trauma to surrounding structures or jaw fracture are possible with any extraction, we take extensive measures to minimize them:

Experienced Veterinarians: Our team has advanced training and experience in performing complex dental procedures.

State-of-the-Art Equipment: We utilize specialized dental tools and equipment that allow for more precise and less traumatic tooth removal.  

Comprehensive Pain Management: Your pet's comfort is our priority.

     Local Anesthetic Blocks: We administer local anesthetic nerve blocks before starting any extraction. This numbs the area, providing immediate pain relief and allowing us to use less general anesthesia.

     Reduced Anesthetic Risk: Our carefully chosen combination of medications helps us minimize the amount of general anesthesia needed, further decreasing anesthetic risk for your pet.

     Extended Pain Relief: Our pain management protocols often provide comfort for 2-3 days post-procedure, frequently eliminating the need for additional oral pain medications at home.

Is a Dental Extraction Right for Your Pet?

If your pet is showing signs of oral discomfort from loose, chipped, or broken teeth, or has been diagnosed with a severe dental issue, an extraction might be the path to a pain-free life. We're here to discuss all options and create a personalized plan for your pet's oral health.

• Contact us today to schedule a dental consultation