Pet Tooth Extractions

When our dogs are experiencing dental pain, we normally don’t know it. You may notice your pup favoring one side of their mouth when they play or eat, but most warning signs are not as obvious. As a matter of fact, pets seldom show symptoms of dental issues. Dental pain typically comes on slowly, and dogs learn to live with it, but they might act a little odd. When those issues are treated appropriately, you will likely notice a happier, more carefree pup!

At Fetch A Vet, we are experts in caring for your pet’s dental needs. If an extraction is necessary, you can be confident your pup is in the best hands. 

Reasons Why Dogs Need Tooth Extractions:

• Gum Disease
• Broken Teeth
• Unerupted Teeth
• Tooth Decay
  

To learn more or schedule a consultation for your pet’s dental needs, call us at (843) 580-6209.

• A Caring & Compassionate Team
• The Best Veterinary Dentist in Bluffton
• State-of-the-Art Technology
• Advanced Aftercare Options

Procedures can vary depending on the tooth and the disease process. Prior to any extraction, we provide a nerve block that lasts six to eight hours to help minimize oral pain and discomfort.

With surgical extractions, we normally make incisions in the adjacent gum tissue to create a flap and provide access to the tooth. We often need to remove the bone that overlies each root, section the tooth into individual roots, and extract each root separately. The alveolus (socket) is flushed to remove any debris, and the extraction site is closed with absorbable sutures.

In some cases, we can extract a tooth without the need for incisions and bone removal. In these cases, we carefully elevate each root individually and close the extraction site with absorbable sutures.

The risks associated with extractions depend on the tooth involved. Unlike people, dogs and cats do not experience “dry sockets” and their recovery is quick. Aside from temporary oral discomfort and minor bleeding, most patients experience positive results and no complications.

Both local and general anesthesia will be used to minimize and control discomfort. The same narcotic medications used in people are used for dogs. Anti-inflammatory medication is also administered to decrease swelling and inflammation after surgery, as long as your dog is a candidate to receive these medications.

As a result of excellent pain relief medications, most animals recover with minimal discomfort and return to their daily routines rapidly. Most pets will eat the day of surgery or very soon thereafter. Feeding them soft food is usually recommended until healing is complete. A check-up will be required to ensure healing is progressing as it should. Call us at (843) 580-6209 for more information and options.