When extraction is the right decision
Dental extractions are the most common procedure in small animal practice, and the most misunderstood. The concern raised most often — “what will my pet do without teeth?” — almost never applies in practice. Dogs and cats adapted to domestic life don’t rely on their teeth for survival. A diseased, infected, or structurally compromised tooth causes constant pain. Removing it ends that pain. Most patients are eating normally within a day or two of surgery.
- Pre-operative assessmentDiagnosis, full-mouth imaging, and a treatment plan before any teeth are removed. You'll know what's being extracted and why before work begins.
- Surgical extractionCareful, efficient technique. Less time under anaesthesia means safer surgery and faster recovery. Complicated or multi-rooted teeth are managed surgically rather than by force.
- Pain reliefNerve blocks applied during surgery, anti-inflammatory medication, and post-operative pain management. Pain control starts before the first incision.
- RecoveryMost patients are eating the same day. Post-operative care instructions and follow-up support provided before your pet goes home.
Special situations
Feline dental extractions
Cat teeth are small, brittle, and frequently complicated by tooth resorption. Surgical technique for feline extractions differs significantly from canine work — and the margin for error is smaller.
Full-mouth extractions
Some cats with severe stomatitis achieve the best outcome through removal of all teeth. This sounds drastic — and in practice it’s often the kindest option, with most patients recovering rapidly and eating well within weeks.
Alternatives to extraction
When a tooth can be saved through endodontic treatment, we’ll discuss that option. Simple extraction is often still the right answer — but you should be able to make that choice with full information.
Extraction as part of other treatment
Periodontal disease, stomatitis, tooth resorption, and root abscesses often require extraction as part of broader treatment — not as a standalone procedure.
Every Pet Deserves A Healthy, Pain-Free Mouth
