Proper oral health is an important part of your dog’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.

When Do Dogs Need Dental Extractions?

There are several reasons why a veterinarian might recommend dental extractions, such as:

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 associated with jaw fractures or oral masses, as part of surgical repair or removal.

The Importance of General Anesthesia for Extractions

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.

Consult a Dog Dentist in Houston

Concerned about your dog’s oral health? Please call our office to schedule an appointment for an oral exam for your dog today!

Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (9/23/2025). Photo by Lucian on Unsplash