Dental care not taken care of properly can result in dental disease in pets. Animals of any age range are susceptible to severe dental conditions that can necessitate surgery. Regular dental exams for pets assist in identifying problems before they become severe and recommend the best treatment.
For various reasons, your pet may require crucial procedures, such as dental surgery. It can be needed to treat abnormal growths, correct oral issues or fix a broken jaw. Advanced-trained veterinarians are equipped to utilize various surgical techniques to treat and prevent dental conditions.
Different Dental Care Surgeries
Cats and dogs can benefit from dental methods like the Tri-County Animal Clinic pet surgery procedures that satisfy their needs. Here are a few most frequently used procedures for canines and felines:
Surgical Tooth Extraction
The majority of veterinary clinics perform tooth extractions as an essential dental procedure. Some teeth may be easy to extract, but other teeth are more complex and require surgical extraction of teeth. It’s important to note that a routine tooth extraction differs from a surgical one.
A dental surgical extraction involves cutting an incision in the gum tissue. It requires sutures afterward to close it. A unique tool can also be employed to safely extract the entire tooth without damaging the surrounding tissues or the structures such as nerves or blood vessels.
After the pet’s surgery, it may experience discomfort and swelling. A dentist for dogs or cats may prescribe medications and antibiotics to manage the discomfort and reduce the risk of infection. Follow their post-operative care instructions closely to ensure your pet’s quick and complete recovery.
Orthodontic Surgery
The orthodontic procedure is a particular procedure in dentistry that corrects severe malocclusions or jaw deformities that aren’t corrected with conventional orthodontic treatment. Generally, a vet with additional orthodontic education can perform this procedure.
Orthodontic pet surgery can involve several techniques, depending on the root cause of jaw or dental issues. There are several options available:
Mandibular or Maxillary Osteotomy
This procedure involves surgically repositioning the lower jaw (mandible) or the upper jaw (maxilla) to improve bite function and facial appearance. It may be recommended for dogs with severe jaw deformities or malocclusions not corrected by orthodontic appliances.
Alveolar Distraction Osteogenesis
The method involves gradually lengthening the jawbone to fix jaw length discrepancies. It can be used when both upper and lower jaws are not aligned properly.
Palatal Expansion
A palate expansion procedure is a surgical procedure used to increase the size of the palate to improve narrow arches and bite function. This procedure is recommended for pets suffering from crossbites or other dental irregularities impacting jaw alignment between the upper and lower jaws.
Genioplasty
Genioplasty is a surgical procedure to reposition or shape the chin to enhance facial balance and beauty. It is a good option for pets with many underbites or excessive bites.
Oral Cancer Surgery
Both dogs and cats can develop oral cancer. Most cases of oral cancer can be treated successfully with surgical procedures if detected early. It’s why regular check-ups with your vet, including dental exams, are especially vital. Note that most oral/maxillofacial (affecting jaw/face) tumors require massive surgical removal (removal).
Surgery is a highly effective method of treatment for animals with oral cancer. It can help remove cancerous tissues and improve overall well-being. Get advice from an internal medicine vet knowledgeable about animal cancer before deciding whether surgery is your furry friend’s most effective option.
Conclusion
Book a dental exam for your pet to know whether it requires oral surgery. Your veterinarian can assess their dental health and recommend necessary surgeries, keeping your pet’s health and content over the years. Prevention is the key to any disease, so early actions are crucial.
