Importance of Dental Surgery for Pets

Dental health is a critical aspect of your pet’s overall well-being. Unfortunately, dental disease is one of the most common health issues affecting pets today. It can lead to pain, infections, and difficulty eating, significantly reducing your pet’s quality of life. While regular dental cleanings help prevent problems, advanced cases may require extractions or oral surgery. Conditions like fractured teeth, severe periodontal disease, or congenital abnormalities often call for surgical intervention.

This guide explains when your pet might need dental surgery, the role of advanced diagnostics like X-rays and CT scans, pain management options, and tips for post-op recovery.

If you have questions or concerns about your pet’s need for dental surgery, schedule an appointment at Memorial Villages Animal Hospital.

Common Dental Problems That Require Surgery

Severe Periodontal Disease

Severe gum disease destroys the structures that support the teeth, including bone and connective tissue.

Symptoms:

  • Bad breath (halitosis)
  • Bleeding, red, or swollen gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Drooling or difficulty eating

Once periodontal disease reaches advanced stages, extractions are often necessary to eliminate infection and relieve pain.

Fractured or Broken Teeth

Dogs can fracture teeth by chewing hard objects like bones or from trauma.

Treatment Options:

  • Root canal for salvageable teeth
  • Extraction for severe damage

Understand more from Today’s Veterinary Practice and read about the dangers of hard chews.

Retained Baby Teeth

Some puppies retain their deciduous (baby) teeth, leading to crowding, misalignment, and periodontal disease. This is particularly common in toy breeds.

To learn more, see Deciduous Tooth Removal in Dogs.

Malocclusions (Misaligned Teeth or Jaws)

Misaligned teeth can cause pain, trauma, or difficulty eating.

Common Types:

  • Overbite, underbite, crossbite
  • Rotated or crowded teeth

Advanced cases may require selective extractions or other surgical corrections. For more, visit DVM360’s guide to malocclusion.

Diagnosing Dental Conditions: The Role of X-Rays & CT Scans

Dental Radiographs (X-Rays)

Most dental disease occurs below the gumline. Radiographs help us detect:

  • Root abscesses
  • Jawbone loss
  • Fractures or impacted teeth

See Vetstreet’s guide to dental radiography and Preventive Vet on why dental X-rays matter.

CT Imaging

In some cases, a CT scan provides better visualization for complex conditions, tumors, or developmental defects. Learn more about when a CT is needed.

Pain Management & Recovery

Managing Pain After Surgery

We take a multimodal approach to pain management, using a combination of:

  • NSAIDs
  • Opioids
  • Local nerve blocks or anesthetics

Recovery Tips

  • Feed soft food for 7–10 days if needed
  • Avoid hard toys and chews
  • Watch for swelling or discharge

Pets typically recover quickly when provided with attentive post-op care.

Preventing Future Dental Problems

  • Brush your pet’s teeth daily with pet-safe toothpaste
  • Schedule dental cleanings every 6–12 months
  • Use VOHC-approved dental treats
  • Avoid hard toys that can fracture teeth

A person brushing the teeth of a brown and white corgi dog with a blue toothbrush. The dog is lying on a wooden floor and looking forward as its mouth is gently held open.

Understand the importance of catching dental problems early from Merck Veterinary Manual’s guide to developmental abnormalities.

Dental extractions can sound intimidating, but in many cases, they are the key to relieving chronic pain and preventing serious complications.

At Memorial Villages Animal Hospital, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process. Whether your pet needs a dental evaluation, a full cleaning, or a surgical consult, we offer modern, gentle care tailored to your pet’s specific needs.

Have questions about your pet’s oral health? Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our dental services. A healthy mouth means a healthier pet—and we’re here to help you protect both.