What is a Dog and Cat Tooth Extraction?

The cat and dog tooth extraction procedure is much more delicate and complex than simply pulling teeth. At Houston Pet Dental, we perform surgical extractions to help our pet patients enjoy a better quality of life. When a tooth becomes broken or decayed, it can cause severe pain in your pet and interfere with their ability to eat and play. There's a reason they say it's like pulling teeth and it can be painful if left untreated. Surgical extraction of the damaged tooth is often the best option for alleviating oral pain and removing a source of infection. In some cases where it is necessary, we perform extractions to treat advanced periodontal disease or painful cavities. This can help reduce further bone loss and further tooth loss.

Post surgical extraction

Our Steps for Performing a Tooth Extraction in Dogs and Cats

Below is a breakdown of the steps our team takes to safely and effectively perform surgical extractions.

  • 1

    Extractions are only performed once the patient is safely under anesthesia and a thorough assessment has been performed.

  • 2

    We place local numbing agents to help reduce pain before doing the extraction.

  • 3

    We surgically incise adjacent oral tissue creating an advancement flap. This allows us to surgically close every open socket where extraction was necessary. Our patients may be discharged with 3-30 dissolvable sutures.

  • 4

    Depending on how many roots are involved, the tooth/teeth are sectioned into individual roots for easier removal.

  • 5

    Once the roots are safely removed while avoiding surrounding blood vessels and nerves, we take a post-operative radiograph to ensure the entire tooth has been removed.

  • 6

    Sharp bony edges are then smoothed to increase comfort and hasten healing.

  • 7

    The surgical site is closed with dissolvable stitches to prevent food and debris from entering the extraction site.