March 28, 2024

Insufficient dental care could lead to dental diseases in pets. Animals of all ages risk developing severe dental diseases that could require surgery. Regular dental exams for pets can help detect these problems early and offer the correct treatment.

For various reasons, your pet may require essential procedures, like dental surgery. It could be necessary to eliminate abnormal growths, treat oral problems or repair a damaged jaw. Veterinarians with advanced training can use various surgical procedures to treat and prevent dental issues.

Different Dental Care Surgeries

Both dogs and cats can benefit from various dental procedures that satisfy their needs. Here are a few of the most well-known procedures for canines and felines:

Surgical Tooth Extraction

The majority of veterinary clinics perform tooth extractions as a necessary dental procedure. Although some tooth types are relatively easy to extract, other teeth pose particular difficulties that require surgical teeth extraction. It is important to remember that a regular tooth extraction differs from an operation.

The procedure involves cutting an incision into the gum tissue. It requires sutures to close the wound. The use of special tools can be employed to remove the entire tooth without harming the surrounding area or the structures such as nerves and blood vessels.

Following the procedure, there may be swelling and discomfort for your pet. A dentist for cats and dogs can prescribe medication and antibiotics to ease discomfort and avoid infection. It is essential to follow the instructions for post-operative care closely to ensure your pet’s quick and complete recovery.

Orthodontic Surgery

Orthodontic surgery is a specific dental procedure used to correct jaw malformations or malocclusions that cannot be fixed with conventional orthodontic treatment on its own. Typically, a veterinarian with additional orthodontics training performs this procedure; go here for more details.

Orthodontic pet surgery can involve procedures based on the root cause of dental or jaw issues. The most common options are:

Mandibular or Maxillary Osteotomy

The procedure involves surgically repositioning the jaw’s lower (mandible) or upper jaw (maxilla) to improve the bite’s function and facial appearance. It is recommended for dogs with jaw malformations or malocclusions that can’t be corrected with orthodontic appliances on their own.

Alveolar Distraction Osteogenesis

The method involves gradual lengthening of the jawbone to eliminate jaw length differences. It can be used when the lower and upper jaws are not properly aligned.

Palatal Expansion

The expansion of the palate is a surgical procedure used to increase the size of the palate to fix narrow arches and improve the bite function. This procedure is recommended for dogs with crossbites or other dental issues that cause jaw alignment issues between the lower and upper jaws.

Genioplasty

Genioplasty is a surgical procedure that alters the shape or position of the chin to enhance facial balance and appearance. It is a good option for pets with significant underbites or excessive bites.

Oral Cancer Surgery

Both dogs and cats are susceptible to developing oral cancer. Both dogs and cats can develop it. The majority of cases of oral cancer are successfully treated with surgical procedures if they are detected early. This is why regular doctor visits, including dental examinations, are particularly crucial. Be aware that most oral/maxillofacial (affecting jaws and faces) tumors require extensive surgical removal (removal).

Surgery is a viable alternative for pet owners who have oral cancer. It helps to remove cancerous tissue and improve overall health. Talk to an animal cancer expert like Tri-County Animal Clinic’s internal veterinary medicine professionals before deciding whether surgery is your pet’s most effective option.

Conclusion

Schedule a dental examination for your pet to determine whether it requires dental procedures. Your vet can evaluate their dental health and recommend any necessary procedures to keep your pet healthy and happy throughout the years. Prevention is the key to any illness; therefore, early intervention is crucial.