Proper oral health is an important part of your cat’s overall well-being. When injury or disease damages a tooth or its surrounding structures beyond the point of recovery, extraction of the tooth may be required.

Reasons for Dental Extractions

There are several reasons why a veterinarian might recommend dental extractions. Surgical extraction of teeth affected by advanced periodontal disease removes the source of infection and pain. Extraction of malaligned or retained baby teeth may be performed to reduce crowding and improve alignment. Fractured teeth may be extracted if the damage is significant and a root canal is not an option. Other extractions may be necessary for teeth affected by tooth resorption.

Safety and Anesthesia Considerations

Dental extractions must always be performed while your pet is under general anesthesia. Therefore, it is very important to carefully screen your pet for conditions that may increase anesthetic risk. At a minimum, pre-anesthetic bloodwork should be performed prior to the procedure. Depending on other factors, additional tests such as thoracic radiographs or an echocardiogram may be recommended.

Schedule Your Cat’s Oral Exam

Please call our office today to schedule an appointment for your cat’s oral exam with Texas Veterinary Dental Center in Houston!

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