Your vet will suggest a tooth extraction if your cat has a severely damaged tooth. In this article, our Grenada veterinarians will explain what you should anticipate during a cat's tooth extraction surgery.
Tooth Extractions in Cats
A veterinarian surgically removes a cat's tooth during a cat tooth extraction. The procedure can involve extracting the tooth all the way to its roots or stopping at removing the dental crown, which is the visible part of the tooth above the gums.
The Necessity of Removing Cat Teeth
When a tooth becomes irreparably damaged, it's crucial to remove it immediately to prevent infection and alleviate the pain associated with the dead tooth. In most cases, periodontal (gum) disease is the primary culprit.
Gum disease results from the accumulation of plaque on your cat's teeth, which eventually hardens into calculus or tartar. If left untreated, this hardened tartar creates pockets of infection between the gum line and the teeth, leading to gum erosion and tooth decay. To prevent gum disease, take proactive steps such as regular at-home dental care and scheduling routine professional dental appointments.
Additionally, cats are susceptible to a condition known as feline tooth resorption. This painful condition manifests as erosions on a cat's tooth or teeth, gradually deteriorating the tooth's structure. Regrettably, no known method exists to prevent feline tooth resorption, and teeth experiencing resorption almost always necessitate extraction.
Cat Tooth Extraction Process
When you bring your cat in for an extraction, our team will administer general anesthesia to ensure your cat's safety and comfort. Before the procedure, your vet will typically recommend necessary diagnostic tests, such as bloodwork, X-rays, or an EKG, to assess your cat's suitability for anesthesia.
A veterinary technician will continuously monitor your cat's vital signs throughout the surgery and administer pain medication as needed, ensuring stability.
Depending on the specific teeth to be removed, including their size and location, your vet may employ various extraction techniques.
Recovery From a Tooth Extraction
Recovery is relatively quick following the procedure. You should be able to bring your cat home on the same day as the procedure. There may be trace amounts of blood in their saliva, but no significant bleeding. If there is, contact a vet immediately.
Our Grenada vets advise avoiding hard food for a while until their new oral cavities heal. If your cat eats primarily hard kibble, you can soften it in water before serving. If your cat is not eating after dental surgery, try to switch to soft food,
Further, it is normal for a cat to feel disoriented after coming out of the anesthesia. As such, your cat may not sleep after dental surgery (a rarity for cats, we know). However, if they remain disoriented after 24 hours, contact your vet 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.