Why are tooth extractions needed?
If a dog's teeth are damaged, they must be removed to prevent serious infection and pain. Dog tooth extractions are a type of dental care service that is often needed to help your pup live pain-free and achieve ideal oral health.
Vets can surgically remove one or more of your dog's teeth. They might remove the whole tooth, including the roots, or just the visible part above the gums.
What happens during a dog tooth extraction?
Each one of your dog's teeth is held in place with roots. As many as three roots may be holding an individual tooth in place. All roots must be removed to extract a tooth correctly and fully.
Anesthesia will be used to sedate your dog during their dental surgery. Our veterinarians practice stringent surgical protocols while operating on our patients.
To check how healthy the roots of your dog's teeth are, the vet may need to take an X-ray. Large teeth with multiple roots are split using a high-speed dental drill so that every tooth fragment has only one root attached to it. In contrast, a smaller tooth that only has a single root attached can be removed without this extra step.
What are the possible complications for dogs with tooth extractions?
After your dog has a tooth extraction, complications are rare. Even so, they are possible. If they do occur, they typically fall into a few categories: incomplete healing of dental cavities, remnants of removed teeth, or damage to their jaw bone.
What to Expect After Tooth Extractions for Dogs
Your dog should recover fairly quickly after a tooth extraction, and you can usually take them home the same day as the procedure. While there might be some blood in their saliva, there shouldn't be any significant bleeding. If there is, contact your vet right away.
Our Rocklin vets recommend avoiding feeding your dog hard foods until the area heals. If your dog eats primarily hard kibble, it can be softened in water before you serve it to them. For similar reasons, we recommend avoiding playing tug-of-war until your dog has fully recovered.
What is the cost of tooth extractions for dogs?
Several factors contribute to the final cost of a dog tooth extraction, such as the location of the clinic and whether the veterinary professional treating your dog is a specialist.
This can be the clinic's location, the practitioner's expertise, or the type of equipment used. The age and species of your pet also affect the final amount you will pay.
Please speak with your vet to discuss the estimated cost for your pet and a breakdown of the bill.
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.