Poor dental care can cause dental problems in pets. Animals of all ages are at risk for certain severe dental conditions that can require surgeries. Regular dental examinations for pet owners assist in identifying problems before they become severe and offer the correct treatment.
Your pet may require essential procedures, like oral surgery, for various reasons. Getting rid of abnormal growths, treating oral problems, or repairing a damaged jaw could be necessary. Highly trained vets can use a variety of surgical procedures to treat and prevent dental disorders.
Different Dental Care Surgeries
Both dogs and cats can benefit from dental procedures that fulfill their dental needs. Here are a few of the most sought-after procedures for canines and felines:
Surgical Tooth Extraction
Many veterinary clinics routinely perform tooth extractions as a necessary dental operation. Although some tooth types are easy to extract, others pose particular difficulties that require surgical tooth extraction. It is important to remember that a regular tooth extraction differs from a surgical one.
The procedure involves cutting an incision into the gum tissue. It requires sutures afterward to close the wound. The use of special tools can be employed to safely extract the entire tooth without damaging the surrounding areas or structures like blood vessels and nerves.
After the pet’s surgery, there may be swelling and discomfort. Your veterinarian can prescribe pain medication and antibiotics to ease the discomfort and reduce the risk of infection. Follow the post-operative instructions carefully to ensure your pet’s quick and successful recovery; click here for more details.
Orthodontic Surgery
Orthodontic surgery is a specialized dental procedure to correct jaw deformities or severe malocclusions that cannot be corrected with traditional orthodontic treatments alone. Typically, a vet surgeon with additional orthodontic education can perform this procedure.
Orthodontic pet surgery could involve multiple procedures based on the root cause of dental or jaw issues. Some of the most popular options are:
Mandibular or Maxillary Osteotomy
This surgical procedure involves repositioning your lower jaw (mandible) or the upper jaw (maxilla) to improve the bite’s function and facial aesthetics. It could benefit pets with severe jaw deformities, or malocclusions, that cannot be corrected through orthodontic appliances alone.
Alveolar Distraction Osteogenesis
This procedure involves gradually lengthening the jawbone to eliminate jaw length differences. This technique can be utilized when both the upper and lower jaws align.
Palatal Expansion
A palate expansion procedure is performed surgically to expand the palate to fix narrow arches and improve the bite function. This procedure could be suggested for pets with crossbites or other dental abnormalities that affect jaw alignment between the lower and upper jaws.
Genioplasty
Genioplasty is a procedure that changes the shape or repositions of the chin to enhance facial balance and appearance. It is a good option for pets with many overbites or underbites.
Oral Cancer Surgery
Both dogs and cats are susceptible to developing oral cancer. Most cases of oral malignancies can be successfully treated through surgery if caught early. That’s why regular check-ups with your veterinarian, including dental examinations, are vital. It is important to note that most oral/maxillofacial (affecting the jaw or face) tumors require extensive surgical removal (removal).
Surgery is a highly effective alternative for pet owners with oral cancer. It can help remove cancerous tissues and improve overall well-being. Find an animal internal medicine expert before deciding whether surgery is your pet’s best action.
Conclusion
Conduct a dental exam with your pet to determine whether they require dental procedures. Your vet can evaluate their dental health and suggest any needed procedures, which will keep your pet’s overall health happy throughout the years. Prevention is the key to any disease, so taking action is vital.
