If you’ve been told that your dog or cat needs a dental procedure, you may be wondering why it’s needed and what the procedure involves. The truth is, many animals need at least one or two dentals throughout their lifetime and this is a common procedure performed here at Pawsome Vets.
Our pets are incredibly good at hiding pain and discomfort, especially our feline friends. Unfortunately, this means dental problems are often more advanced by the time they’re discovered, making treatment such as a dental procedure necessary.
So, let’s break down everything you need to know about dental procedures, including why they’re sometimes necessary and how they help keep your pet healthy and pain-free.
Why Do Dogs And Cats Need Dental Procedures?
Just like us, dogs and cats can suffer from a range of dental problems, particularly if their teeth aren’t brushed regularly.
A dental procedure is much more than just cleaning your pet’s teeth. It allows our vets and nurses to thoroughly examine the mouth, the health of the gums and even examine the tooth and root structure with the use of dental x-rays.
Dental X-rays are particularly important because much of each tooth lies beneath the gumline, where disease can’t be seen during a visual examination alone.
We may recommend a dental if your pet shows signs of:
- Gingivitis (inflamed gums)
- Loose teeth
- Plaque and tartar build up
- Tooth root infections
- Oral injuries
- Broken or fractured teeth
In the best case scenario, we will just need to perform a scale and polish. This is where we use specialised tools to remove the build up of hard plaque and tartar from the teeth.
However, in some cases, extractions may be required. Although it may sound scary, it can improve your pet’s health and comfort drastically.
Why Do Teeth Need To Be Extracted?
We know that owners worry about their pets having their teeth removed. It is important to note that every effort is made to preserve healthy teeth and teeth are never removed if they don’t need to be.
Teeth may need to be removed due to:
Periodontal Disease – This is the most common reason for dogs and cats to require a dental. Throughout their lives, bacteria found beneath the gum line can damage the tissues and even the bone that helps to hold the tooth in place.
After time, these damaged tissues cause the tooth to become loose, sometimes followed by an infection. Once the supporting tissues have been severely damaged, extraction is often the best way to relieve pain and prevent ongoing infection.
Breaks and Fractures – Due to excessive chewing or even trauma, teeth can fracture and break.
Damage to the teeth can sometimes expose the pulp found within the tooth, where bacteria can enter and cause infection. This can cause pain and discomfort, requiring the tooth to need extraction.
Tooth Resorption In Cats – In cats, there is an oral condition where the body begins to break down the structure of the tooth found beneath the gum line.
This can be a painful condition, although cats tend to continue eating through the pain. In these instances, affected teeth are removed to ease the pain.
How Quickly Do Dogs And Cats Recover After Extractions?
Dogs and cats recover extremely quickly following extractions from a dental procedure. Many owners can be shocked by the amount of teeth that are removed during a dental procedure and worry about their quality of life.
Although it can be surprising to hear that several teeth may need to be removed, dogs and cats adapt remarkably well. Even pets that require multiple extractions usually return to eating and enjoying life once the painful teeth have been removed.
With the appropriate pain relief and aftercare, cats and dogs usually recover within 14 days. Soft food is key during the healing period and one of our experienced veterinary nurses will see your pet back for a post-operative check to ensure that they are healing well.
Signs Your Pet May Need A Dental
Pets rarely show signs of pain until it is causing a significant problem. The first signs are usually reluctance, or a difficulty in eating.
Other common symptoms of dental disease include:
- Bad breath
- Difficulty chewing
- Eating slowly
- Excessive drooling
- Swelling around the face
- Yellow or brown build up on the teeth
- Red or bleeding gums
- Reduced appetite
- Grooming less than normal
- Pawing at the mouth
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best that we take a look so that we can assess the mouth.
Give our Pawsome team a call on 01623 203529.
Will My Pet Be In Pain During or After A Dental?
We take pride in reducing the pain that your pet may experience during and after their procedure.
Before the procedure begins, they will receive a strong pain relief, as well as many patients receiving a local anaesthetic nerve block to keep them comfortable during and after the operation.
We will prescribe pain relief and sometimes antibiotics for your pets to come home with which will minimise their pain during recovery.
Can Dental Disease Be Prevented In Cats and Dogs?
Not every dental problem can be avoided, but there are plenty of ways that you can reduce your pet’s risk at home.
We recommend:
- Daily brushing with an enzymatic toothpaste
- Routine dental checks throughout the year
- Prescription dental diets
- Healthy dental chews
- Dental additives to food and water
If you would like dental advice, along with any product recommendations, book an appointment with one of our vets or nurses who will be able to give you more information.
Final Thoughts
Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in cats and dogs. Being told that your pet may need teeth removed can sound a little scary, but it is often the best treatment option to get your pet oral pain free.
Our experienced veterinary team will be able to carry out the dental procedure, and we describe more about what happens during a dental procedure in our dental disease blog.
If you notice bad breath, difficulty eating or any other signs that your pet may be experiencing discomfort within the mouth – don’t wait!
Book an appointment with one of our vets for an oral examination.
