Dog Dental Surgery: When is it Necessary?

When is it Necessary for Dogs to Undergo Dental Surgery?

It's time to consider dental surgery for your dog if you notice signs of gingivitis, such as red areas around the gums, or if your pet bleeds while brushing its teeth. Many dogs only receive dental care once a year, but this may not be sufficient for pets prone to oral issues. You might want to increase the frequency of dental cleanings to every six months or even three months for these pets. Factors like diet, chewing habits, and brushing frequency significantly impact the likelihood and progression of dental diseases in pets. Larger dogs often consume dry food and chew with appropriate force, reducing their risk of periodontal disease compared to smaller dogs, which tend to have crowded teeth and are less likely to eat dry food or engage in exercisebased chewing. All these factors contribute to the higher risk of periodontal disease in smaller dogs, and any injury to the teeth or gums can further increase this risk.

What PreOperative Checks Are Required for Dental Surgery?

Before undergoing dental surgery, your pet will typically need to be put under general anesthesia. However, before this, your veterinarian should conduct a thorough physical examination and perform basic blood tests, including assessments of liver and kidney function and a complete blood count. If kidney issues are present, a urine analysis should also be part of the examination.

Why Does Your Dog Need Anesthesia?

Without anesthesia, a veterinarian cannot effectively and safely examine and clean all the teeth of a conscious dog. For instance, dental Xrays are crucial for assessing dental diseases but cannot be performed while the pet is awake. Additionally, any type of tooth extraction requires anesthesia. Even routine teeth cleaning requires anesthesia, as the continuous flushing and debris removal during the process are intolerable for a awake pet.

How Is a Dog's Dental Surgery Performed?

After your dog is under general anesthesia, the veterinarian will examine all of its teeth and gums. If any periodontal pockets are found, the vet will use dental Xrays to evaluate the extent of damage beneath the gum line. Then, the vet will treat the affected teeth appropriately. They will first use an ultrasonic instrument with a vibrating probe to scrape away tartar, which is the least damaging to the enamel. After removing all tartar and plaque, the vet will use a special tooth polishing agent to make the teeth smooth and shiny.

How Long Does a Dental Surgery Take?

The duration of dental surgery can vary greatly. A simple teeth cleaning might take 20 to 40 minutes. However, any treatment for dental diseases, which includes cleaning, probe diagnosis, necessary extractions, and medication, can take much longer.

What Risks and Complications Are Associated with Dental Surgery?

The risks of dental surgery are generally low, but they primarily depend on the risks associated with anesthesia. Many pet owners have concerns and fears about anesthesia, worrying about potential complications after their pet is anesthetized. However, advancements in medical monitoring have significantly reduced the risks of anesthesia. Veterinarians usually assess your pet's health before the surgery to address any medical issues, which also helps in reducing the risks of anesthesia. Other risks include excessive bleeding after extraction, fractures of the tooth root or surrounding bone, and damage to adjacent healthy teeth. However, these risks are extremely rare.

What PostOperative Care Is Needed After Dental Surgery?

The type of postoperative care depends on the type of surgery. Dogs that have undergone a simple teeth cleaning usually do not require special care. However, if your dog has had extractions or advanced periodontal treatment, you can provide softer food during its recovery, use antibiotics, and apply oral rinses to help it through the healing process.

How Long Will Your Dog Need to Stay in the Hospital After Dental Surgery?

Most dental surgeries are completed within an hour, and your dog may only need to stay in the hospital for a day. This is because, considering the pet's recovery from anesthesia, veterinarians often recommend an overnight stay for observation.