Dental Extractions

It is often a surprise to pet owners when a routine dental cleaning leads to a recommendation for an extraction. We understand that the idea of your pet losing a tooth can be concerning. However, at Griffith Pet Hospital, our goal as your animal hospital in Glendale, CA, is for your pet to live comfortably.

If you are looking for a vet near you who prioritizes oral health as a pillar of comprehensive pet care, it is important to understand why extractions are sometimes the kindest option for your furry friend.

When is an Extraction Necessary?

Unlike humans, pets cannot tell us when they have a throbbing toothache, or at least, not with words. They often continue to eat even with significant oral disease. We recommend extractions only when a tooth is beyond repair or is actively causing harm. Common reasons include:

• Advanced Periodontal Disease: When bacteria have destroyed the bone and ligaments supporting the tooth, leaving it loose and painful.
• Tooth Resorption: A common and painful condition, particularly in cats, where the body begins breaking down the tooth structure.
• Fractured Teeth: Broken teeth that expose the sensitive pulp, leading to abscesses and infections.
• Retained Baby Teeth: Primary teeth that fail to fall out, causing crowding and preventing adult teeth from erupting correctly.

The Procedure: Safety and Comfort

At our Glendale, CA, facility, dental extractions are treated as a formal surgical procedure. Your pet’s safety is our primary concern.

• General Anesthesia: Essential for a thorough exam and to ensure your pet feels no pain or anxiety.
• Digital Dental X-rays: This is the most critical step. Since 60% of the tooth is hidden below the gum line, X-rays allow us to see bone loss or hidden abscesses that are invisible to the naked eye.
• Local Anesthesia: We use nerve blocks similar to those in human dentistry to ensure your pet wakes up comfortable.
• Surgical Closure: We carefully suture the gum tissue to promote faster healing and prevent food from getting trapped in the socket.

Life After Extraction

The most frequent question we hear is: "How will my pet eat?" You might be surprised to learn that pets often eat better after a painful tooth is removed. Once the source of chronic infection and pain is gone, their appetite and energy levels frequently improve. Most pets can return to their normal kibble after a short period of healing on soft food.

By removing a diseased tooth, we prevent bacteria from entering the bloodstream and damaging vital organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys. This is proactive pet care at its most impactful.

As your dedicated veterinarian near you in Glendale, CA, we are here to ensure your pet’s golden years are spent pain-free. Schedule your pet’s dental appointment by calling (818) 482-7712.