Treatment for dental disease may require a surgical fixation rather than a medical treatment. Many dental issues require a tooth extraction as treatment, and most cats need to have one or more teeth extracted in their lifetime. Extraction removes infection and relieves your cat’s pain. But even when knowing a procedure will improve overall health, tooth extraction can still be worrisome for pet owners. Let’s take a look at when your cat may need to have a tooth removed, and what to expect from the recovery process.
Four Reasons Why Your Cat May Need a Tooth Extraction
1. Periodontal Disease
A cat tooth extraction may not be necessary in every situation, but there are a handful of cases in which tooth extraction is the best form of treatment. Periodontal disease, also known as dental disease, is a common reason for feline tooth extraction.
When plaque and tartar build up along the teeth and the gumline, it incites gum inflammation, which is referred to as gingivitis. There are four stages of periodontal disease, with gingivitis being the first stage. Gingivitis (red gums) eventually extends under the gumline, damaging the supporting tissues of the tooth, including the bone. This is periodontal disease. Extraction therapy is recommended for teeth affected by severe or advanced stages of periodontal disease. Without treatment, periodontal disease can cause serious pain for your feline friend, and the tooth may eventually fall out on its own, which may take months to years….a long time to experience oral pain!
2. Chipped or Broken Teeth
Fortunately, teeth that are chipped or broken have treatment options other than extraction therapy. Fractured teeth with pulp exposure can be treated with root canal therapy, while chipped teeth can be treated with odontoplasty/bonded sealant therapy. If the affected tooth is not a good candidate for restorative treatment, then extraction therapy may be recommended.
3. Gingivostomatitis
Gingivostomatitis is a chronic, painful, oral ulcerative disease. A universal, underlying cause is not known, but it is thought to occur due to an excessive immune response to plaque and tartar on the teeth. Affected cats frequently have large areas of painful ulcerated tissues in their mouth and throat. If your cat has been diagnosed with gingivostomatitis, they might need extraction of all their teeth. While a full extraction might sound scary, most patients adjust very well after the surgery, and it is a much better alternative than living with the constant pain of an oral ulcerative disease.
4. Tooth resorption
This is the most common reason teeth are extracted in feline patients. Tooth resorption, commonly called “feline cavities,” is caused by the cat’s own cells attacking their teeth. The damaged area quickly extends into the tooth, even exposing the pulp (nerve) chamber of the tooth. Affected teeth are very painful, and unfortunately, removing the tooth is the only option for treatment.
Cat Tooth Extraction Recovery: What to Expect
Most cats recover very well after tooth extractions, and you will likely be able to take your cat home the same day. Dental extraction sites are closed with absorbable suture that does not need to be removed. Your pet’s recovery depends on the severity of their disease and the status of their overall health, so each cat’s recovery will be different.
For example, if your cat only has one or two teeth removed, they may be fully recovered and back to their normal selves in a day. If your cat has multiple teeth extracted or a full mouth extraction, then you could be looking at a week or so of recovery following the procedure.
During your cat’s immediate recovery after extraction therapy, they may be a little disorientated and sluggish. If your cat is an avid climber, avoid letting them onto raised surfaces for a few days post-op so they don’t fall and hurt themselves. Also, slow re-introductions to other animals after an anesthetic procedure is always recommended.
Make sure your cat has plenty of fresh water and softened food for their recovery. Most cats are not avid water drinkers. To help maintain their hydration levels, you can add small amounts of water to their canned food. Once your cat is fully healed, they can return to their normal diet. Evens felines missing most, or all of their teeth can still enjoy small hard kibble. Some may even enjoy their hard food more!
During recovery, you can care for your cat and help them heal by:
- Allowing lots of time to rest
- Maintaining a low-stress environment in your home
- Feeding your cat only wet food
- Offering plenty of liquids
- Making sure they take all prescribed medications as directed
Board Certified Veterinary Dentist in Bozeman, MT
If you believe your feline companion is struggling with dental pain, has a broken tooth, or is showing signs of periodontal disease, we are here to help! Our team is available on-site at our hospital in Bozeman. Call us today to set up an oral health appointment for your feline companion.