Veterinary Dental Referral Service

Cedric Tutt BVSc (hons), MMedVet (Med) (Bov), MRCVS

Exodontics - extraction of teeth

• Teeth can be extracted using simple or surgical extraction techniques. A simple extraction involves severing the ligament that holds the tooth in its socket using a luxator and an elevator. Surgical extractions require the gum to be opened and some of the bone that holds the tooth in place removed before the luxator and elevator can be used to loosen the tooth. After the tooth is removed the gum is sutured closed again. Teeth that have more than one root are sectioned into two or three pieces to make extraction easier.

• Broken teeth may be extracted or restored (dental filling).
  11

• Not all fractured teeth require extraction - endodontics can be performed in many cases
  11

• Teeth that are misplaced and causing a malocclusion (abnornal bite for example - overshot jaw) may be extracted or moved to create a comfortable and functional bite.
  11

• If a dog or cat has too many teeth in their mouth (called supernumerary teeth) that causes crowding of the teeth, some will need to be extracted.
  11

• Pets that have two sets of teeth (temporary (deciduous) teeth and permanent teeth) in their mouth should have the persistent deciduous teeth extracted. These teeth not only prevent the permanent teeth from moving into their correct positions but also trap food that can lead to decay of the permanent teeth or periodontal disease.
  11

Persistent Deciduous Canine	Persistent Deciduous Canine causing Problems

Surgical Exstraction of Deciduous Canine

• Periodically when teeth fracture their roots remain in the jaw often leading to infection. Extraction of these retained root remnants will reduce inflammation in the mouth and prevent root abscesses forming.