Surgery Care Procedures
Complex Tooth Extractions
Routine tooth extractions can typically be performed by a primary care veterinarian, but in the event of severe disease or damage, extractions may be referred to a veterinary dental specialist.
Most tooth extractions require an incision of the gingiva and minimal removal of bone to ensure extraction of the entire tooth. Special care must be taken especially when extracting mandibular canines and first molars, as improper technique can lead to jaw fractures. Surgical extraction sites are sutured closed to prevent complications during the healing process. The sutures will typically dissolve and fall out over a period of 2-6 weeks.
Periodontal Surgery
Depending on the extent of a pet’s periodontal disease, veterinary dental specialists may be able to save some of a dog's or cat's diseased teeth from extraction. Advanced treatments are available through a veterinary dental specialist, when periodontitis is present, that may be employed to save the teeth. Teeth with gum recession, root exposure, or periodontal pockets may be candidates for periodontal surgery. Advanced periodontal procedures, such as gingival flap surgery and bone grafting, can be used to regenerate periodontal tissues and save teeth.
The pet patient’s overall health, the cost of specific treatments, and the pet owner’s willingness to provide daily oral hygiene at home are considered prior to performing periodontal surgery. Without diligent homecare to keep a pet's teeth clean between their annual vet dental cleanings, periodontal therapy will not be successful, and severely affected teeth will require extraction.
Pet Jaw Fractures
Jaw fractures are typically seen in pets, often dogs, who have been hit by a car or have gotten into fights with other animals. Occasionally, they are seen in cases of severe periodontal disease. When possible, our veterinary dentists aim to use non-invasive techniques to repair jaw fractures, and many pet patients can eat normally in the evening following the procedure.
The choice of technique used depends on many factors, including the location and severity of the fracture. Typically, wires and composite splints are bonded to the teeth to immobilize the fracture site. These wires and splints will need to be removed after the fracture has healed.
The healing times vary greatly, but typically young puppies and dogs need anywhere from 2-6 weeks for healing. Older dogs require 6-8 weeks before the splints and wires can be removed.
Pet Oral Tumors and Cancer
Oral tumors are relatively common in dogs and cats but may not be noticed at an early stage by pet owners (which is why frequent dental check-ups are so essential!). All oral swelling and growths should be investigated. A “wait and see” approach is not recommended.
When an oral tumor is suspected, radiographs, biopsies, and other advanced diagnostic imaging techniques (such as a cone beam CT) are used to help gain a definitive diagnosis and determine its characteristics.
For most pet oral tumors, surgical removal offers the best chance of cure. Because there are so many types of oral tumors that can occur in dogs and cats, each with a different prognosis, management by a veterinary dental specialist and/or oncologist is recommended. Often, your regular veterinarian may take a biopsy and then refer your pet to a veterinary dental specialist.
The key to successful treatment of oral cancer in a pet is early detection of growth. When swelling in the mouth is noted, seek a consultation with a veterinary dental specialist as soon as possible.
