Cat Tooth Extraction Recovery

Cat dental hygiene is important to preserve the cat’s teeth and overall health. When a cat tooth is badly decayed it may need to be extracted. A tooth extraction can be a simple procedure, but it may also be complicated, depending on the condition and location of the tooth that is extracted. The recovery time after the extraction is also essential in keeping the cat healthy and preventing complications.

Cat Tooth Extraction

A tooth may need to be extracted due to various reasons including badly damaged teeth, stomatitis, gingivitis or infected teeth. An extraction cannot be performed if there is the tooth is abscessed. The infection should be treated first and after the pus is gone, the tooth may be extracted.

The vet will determine if the tooth needs to be extracted by performing a radiograph and evaluating the condition of the tooth.

In some advanced cases of gingivitis, a full mouth dental extraction will be needed to alleviate the pain.

Cat Tooth Extraction Recovery

After an extraction, the cat should be kept indoors in a warm place; make sure he is calm. The vet may prescribe some analgesic medication, as the anesthetic may wear off in 2 to 3 hours after the procedure. The bleeding should stop in 1 to 2 hours after the procedure. You should make sure that the dog holds on to the sterile gauze that presses on the extraction site to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding doesn’t stop after 2 to 3 hours, you should notify the vet.

The vet will also recommend the administration of antibiotics 1 day prior to the extraction and 4 to 5 days after, as a preventive measure against infections. However, some vets will only administer these if an infection occurs.

You should also administer soft, wet food 3 to 5 days after the extraction, to allow the extraction wound to heal. Avoid feeding food that is likely to stick to the cat’s teeth and the empty space left by the extraction. Avoid dairy products, as these may delay the healing.

You should continue brushing your cat’s teeth on a daily basis. You may also use a mouth rinse containing chlorhexidine or a topical ointment containing chlorhexidine.

Hide all chew toys, as these are not recommended 1 week after the extraction.

Cat Tooth Extraction Risks

There are a few risks that are associated with a feline tooth extraction. Some of the most common risks include the fracture of the tooth, the failure to remove the roots, jaw fracture infection at the extraction site.

If the tooth gets fractured, the vet will try to extract all parts of the tooth. The vet will take a look at the extracted tooth and determine if all the roots are present. Sometimes, the roots may remain in the gums and this may cause an abscess later.

If the jaw is fractured, the vet will apply emergency measures to fix the problem.

The gum tissue at the extraction site may get infected; the infection will be treated with antibiotics; however, it should be detected in a timely manner. The cat will have fever, bad breath and you may notice pus in the area.

 

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