12 Mar Why Might My Pet Need a Tooth Extracted?
Dental extractions are one of the most common types of oral surgery recommended for dogs and cats. There are a lot of reasons why extraction might be the best choice for your pet’s tooth. The most important goal for all Veterinary DentistsTM is to give our patients a comfortable, functional, pain-free mouth. As much as we love to save teeth when we can, sometimes extraction is the best choice for a particular tooth or a particular patient. Below are 5 common reasons why your Veterinary DentistTM may recommend a tooth extraction for your pet.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is very common in dogs and cats, especially in small and toy breed dogs. Periodontal disease refers to inflammation and infection of the gums and other structures supporting the teeth, such as the periodontal ligament (which helps hold the teeth in the mouth) and the supporting bone. Not all teeth with periodontal disease need extraction, but it is typically recommended for teeth with grade 4 (or end-stage) periodontal disease. These teeth are often very mobile and have lost more than 50% of the supporting bone due to inflammation and infection. There may also be furcation, meaning a dental probe can be passed between the roots of a multi-rooted tooth.
Broken Teeth
Sometimes, broken teeth can be treated with root canal treatment, which allows the patient to keep the tooth, but root canal treatment is not appropriate in all cases. If there is an abscessed root, the likelihood of success of root canal treatment can go down. If the tooth is broken at or near the gumline, it may not make sense to save the tooth. Root canal treatment requires an anesthetized recheck the following year to confirm success of the treatment, so it is not an appropriate treatment for patients with underlying conditions such as severe heart or kidney disease, which may make anesthesia riskier. In these situations, extraction of the broken tooth will be recommended.
Tooth Resorption
Tooth resorption is a common condition, especially in cats, where the body is breaking down and absorbing a tooth. It is unknown exactly why this happens. If tooth resorption is affecting the crown of the tooth, it is considered to be a painful condition, and these teeth should be extracted. This is one of the most common reasons for extraction in cats.
Dental Caries
Dental caries, also known as cavities, are not nearly as common in dogs as they are in people and do not occur in cats. In some cases, caries can be restored with a filling, or the tooth can be saved with root canal treatment. In more severe cases, extraction may be recommended.
Retained Deciduous (“Baby”) Teeth
Some small and toy breeds of dogs, such as Yorkshire Terriers and Toy Poodles, can have retained deciduous (“baby”) teeth, meaning their deciduous teeth do not fall out on their own as they should, even after the adult tooth has erupted. This can cause crowding, which can lead to periodontal disease. These teeth should be extracted.
Pet Tooth Extraction in Fort Collins, CO
Knowing the main reasons for your pet to need a tooth extraction is the first step in helping them achieve a long and happy life. At Animal Dental Care & Oral Surgery of Fort Collins, we strive to provide the best care possible to you and your beloved companion. If you have questions or concerns about your dog or cats oral health, contact us to schedule an appointment today.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (03/12/2025) Photo by CAIO DELAROLLE on Unsplash