Every pet owner wants their pet to be healthy and happy. And it can be possible if their oral health is good. Yes. Exact like humans, your pet’s dental care is also important. They can suffer from tooth decay and gum disease. Sometimes, this problem can extend and cause oral tumors.
If your pet also has a dental problem, then they may need surgery. But how will you know that this is the time to take action? Don’t worry! We will tell you. In this blog, you will read the signs and common surgeries for your pet’s oral health.
Conditions When A Pet Needs Dental Surgery
Severe Tooth Decay Or Damage
The first condition in which a pet needs dental surgery is severe tooth decay or damage. What happens in this condition? The pet’s tooth is badly decayed and cracked. This problem can lead to pain and infections. Do you know what happens next? Your pet may stop eating or paw at their mouth. In such cases, the vet asks to remove the tooth. But if you leave it untreated, it can lead to swelling. Therefore, it’s important to take them to a vet and provide treatment.
Advanced Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)
The next condition is advanced gum disease. Do you know how it starts? It begins with plaque and tartar. However, it can get worse if not treated timely. When this problem is in the last stages, it affects the gums and bones. It also affects the tissues around the teeth. What’s more? Your pet may have bleeding gums and bad breath. The only option you have to save them is surgery. Proper dental care for dogs can protect them from many major problems.
Oral Tumors Or Growths
If you notice a lump, swelling, or unusual growth inside your pet’s mouth, it could be a tumor. Some are harmless, while others can be cancerous. A vet may suggest surgery to remove the growth and send it for testing. Removing oral tumors early helps your pet eat, breathe, and live comfortably. Signs include drooling, bleeding, or difficulty eating. Don’t wait—have your vet examine any growth in the mouth as soon as possible to decide if surgery is needed.
Jaw Fractures Or Misalignment (Malocclusions)
Injuries or genetic conditions can cause the jaw to break or grow out of place. Pets with jaw problems may find it hard to eat, close their mouth properly, or show signs of discomfort. In such cases, corrective dental surgery helps fix the jaw so your pet can eat and function normally. This type of surgery is also used when the teeth do not align correctly, causing damage or pain. Early treatment gives the best results and improves your pet’s comfort.
List Of Common Pet Dental Surgeries
Tooth Extractions
Tooth extraction is one of the most common dental surgeries in pets. It is done when a tooth is severely damaged, infected, or loose. The vet removes the tooth to stop pain and prevent infection. After the surgery, pets usually feel much better. Most recover quickly with proper care. Soft food and rest are important after an extraction. This surgery is safe and helps improve your pet’s quality of life when dental problems can’t be fixed with cleaning alone.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is used to save a tooth instead of removing it. It’s done when the inside of the tooth is infected or exposed, often from injury or decay. During the procedure, the vet cleans the tooth’s root and fills it to prevent infection. This treatment helps keep the tooth in place and avoids the need for extraction. Root canal therapy is mostly used in dogs, especially for important teeth like canines. It helps reduce pain and restore function.
Gingival Surgery For Advanced Gum Disease
Gingival surgery is needed when gum disease becomes severe. It involves cleaning below the gums, removing infected tissue, and reshaping the gums for healing. This surgery helps stop the disease from spreading and supports healthier teeth. It can also prevent tooth loss. Pets with bad breath, bleeding gums, or swelling may need this surgery. After the procedure, regular dental care for pets is important to keep the gums healthy. The vet may also recommend follow-up cleanings and checkups for long-term care.
Oral Tumor Removal & Biopsy
When a vet finds a lump or tumor in your pet’s mouth, they may need to remove it. This is done through oral surgery. After removing the tumor, a biopsy is performed to check if it’s cancerous. Catching and removing oral tumors early improves your pet’s health and comfort. Signs include drooling, bleeding, bad breath, or trouble eating. After surgery, pets may need special food or rest. Regular vet visits help catch oral problems before they become serious.
Corrective Surgery For Jaw Fractures Or Malocclusions
Pets with broken jaws or bite issues may need corrective surgery. This helps realign the jaw and teeth so your pet can eat and chew properly. The vet may use wires or plates to support healing. It’s often needed after an accident or if the pet is born with jaw misalignment. Surgery improves comfort, function, and appearance. Recovery takes time, but most pets heal well with soft food, rest, and follow-up visits. Fixing jaw problems early helps avoid bigger issues later.
Recovery Tips For Pets
Visit A Vet Regularly
Regular visits to a pet dental specialist are important after dental surgery. They allow your vet to check healing and catch any problems early. Follow your vet’s instructions closely during recovery. They may schedule follow-up visits to clean the mouth or remove stitches. Your pet may seem fine, but only a vet can confirm proper healing. Don’t skip appointments, even if everything looks okay. Staying on top of checkups ensures your pet stays pain-free and avoids long-term dental issues in the future.
Soft Food Is A Must
After dental surgery, your pet’s mouth will be sensitive. Feeding soft food makes it easier for them to eat without pain. You can use wet pet food or soak dry kibble in warm water. Avoid bones or hard treats that can hurt healing gums or teeth. Your vet will tell you how long to keep your pet on a soft diet—usually a few days to a week. Soft food helps speed up healing and keeps your pet comfortable during recovery.
Limit Chewing And Play
After surgery, pets need rest. Chewing on toys, bones, or rough play can hurt the surgical area. Keep your pet calm and avoid giving them anything hard to chew. Dogs may need to skip fetch, and cats should avoid jumping or rough movements. Provide a quiet space for your pet to relax. You can gently play or cuddle to keep them happy. Follow your vet’s advice about when they can return to normal activities. Rest helps them heal faster.
Choose The Atlas Pet Hospital Vets For Regular Checkups
If your pet’s oral health is not good, it can have a huge impact on their well-being. What your pet needs is timely dental care. Yes. It can prevent your furry friends’ pain and infection. A timely dental treatment can also save them from serious health issues.
Does your pet have tooth decay or gum disease? Whatever they are suffering from, you need to know when the surgery is needed. You should also know how to support recovery. Knowing this can make all the difference. When you visit a vet like us at Atlas Pet Hospital, you can receive guidance from experts. Yes. We are committed to keeping your pet’s smile and health by giving animal dental care and oral surgery.
Recent Comments