Your pet’s dental health plays a critical role in their overall well-being. Just like humans, pets can suffer from tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections, which, if left untreated, may lead to pain, difficulty eating, and even serious health complications. In some cases, routine dental cleanings aren’t enough, and dental surgery becomes necessary.
If your veterinarian has recommended a dental procedure for your pet, you may wonder: What does this involve? Why is it necessary? And how can I help my pet recover? In this blog, we’ll break it down so you know what to expect.
When Does a Pet Need Dental Surgery?
Veterinary dental surgery is needed when oral disease progresses beyond what a standard cleaning can fix. Some common reasons include:
- Severe periodontal disease causing pain, infection, and tooth loss
- Fractured or broken teeth due to trauma or chewing on hard objects
- Tooth root infections or abscesses leading to pain and swelling
- Retained baby teeth that interfere with adult teeth development
- Oral tumors or growths that require biopsy or removal
If your pet shows signs of dental pain—such as bad breath, excessive drooling, reluctance to eat, pawing at the mouth, or bleeding gums—it’s time to consult your vet about possible dental treatment.
Common Pet Dental Surgeries
1. Tooth Extractions
When It’s Needed:
- Severe periodontal disease that has loosened the tooth
- Broken teeth exposing the nerve and causing pain
- Abscessed or infected teeth that won’t heal
What Happens: The vet will carefully remove the damaged tooth under anesthesia to eliminate pain and prevent infection from spreading. Most pets recover quickly and adapt well to eating without the extracted tooth.
2. Root Canal Therapy
When It’s Needed:
- A fractured tooth with an exposed pulp but a strong root
- A vital tooth that needs preservation
What Happens: Instead of removing the tooth, the infected pulp inside is cleaned, disinfected, and sealed, saving the tooth’s structure. This procedure is standard in police dogs, show dogs, and working pets that rely on strong teeth.
3. Gingival Surgery for Advanced Gum Disease
When It’s Needed:
- Severe gum infections (gingivitis or periodontitis)
- Overgrown or inflamed gum tissue (gingival hyperplasia)
What Happens: The vet may need to remove infected tissue, reshape the gum line, or clean deep pockets of bacteria to restore oral health. This helps prevent further infections and tooth loss.
4. Oral Tumor Removal & Biopsy
When It’s Needed:
- A lump or growth is detected in the mouth
- Pets show signs of difficulty eating, excessive drooling, or bleeding
What Happens: The vet will remove the tumor (or take a biopsy for testing) to determine whether it’s benign or cancerous. Early removal can help improve your pet’s prognosis and quality of life.
5. Corrective Surgery for Jaw Fractures or Malocclusions
When It’s Needed:
- Trauma has caused a jaw fracture
- A pet has a misaligned bite that makes chewing painful
What Happens: Fractured jaws may be stabilized with wires or bone plates, while misaligned teeth might be reshaped or removed to improve bite function.
What to Expect After Pet Dental Surgery
Recovery Tips:
- Soft Diet: Offer wet or softened food for a few days to avoid discomfort.
- Pain Management: Vets often prescribe pain relievers and antibiotics to prevent infection.
- Monitor Healing: Watch for swelling, excessive drooling, or refusal to eat, and contact your vet if issues arise.
- Post-Surgery Checkups: Follow up with your vet to ensure proper healing.
Most pets recover quickly from dental surgery and often feel immediate relief from the pain they may have endured for months.
Prioritize Your Pet’s Dental Health with Veterinary Dental Care
Preventative care is the best way to avoid the need for dental surgery! Regular checkups, professional cleanings, and at-home dental care can significantly reduce the risk of severe dental disease. If your pet is showing signs of oral discomfort or if your vet has recommended dental surgery, don’t wait—early intervention can make all the difference!
Need expert veterinary dental care? Contact Veterinary Dental Care today to schedule an exam and keep your pet’s smile healthy!