Complications after dental extraction in cats: tips for care
When teeth are extracted, most cats recover quickly and without problems. Each cat tends to recover differently, depending on the severity of the illness and the general health of the animal. If a complication does occur, it is usually the result of infection due to fragments of extracted teeth left behind, unhealed cavities, or damage to the jaw bone. These three common problems are examined in more detail in this article, along with typical solutions that can help get your cat’s health back on track.
Extracted tooth fragments
When cat’s teeth are extracted, they are often chipped into small pieces, which can cause problems and infection. To prevent infection and prevent the body from producing an immune defense against broken pieces, all tooth fragments must be removed.
A regimen of antibiotics is often recommended after surgery to help prevent any infection from developing. After tooth extraction, your vet may prescribe antibiotics designed to fight gram-negative anaerobic bacteria.
The typical length of prescription is one week. Because of this medication, minor tooth fragments still in your cat’s mouth shouldn’t be a problem.
Damage to the jaw bone
Damage to the cat’s jaw after tooth extraction is another potential complication. It’s crucial to have your cat checked out by a vet as soon as possible if he exhibits any of these symptoms:
- signs of pain
- swelling or inflammation around the mouth
- difficulty opening the mouth
Jaw bone damage is usually not too severe and can be controlled with pain relievers and/or antibiotics. Surgery may be necessary in some circumstances to repair the damage.
Don’t hesitate to call your vet if your cat has had a tooth extracted and shows signs of jaw bone damage.
Difficulty opening your mouth may be a sign of jaw pain or damage.
untreated cavities
It is essential to watch out for any possible complications if your cat has a tooth extracted. An untreated cavity is the third most common complication that can arise.
Your cat may experience severe pain if the cavities are not treated. They could also spread the infection. Signs to look out for include:
- drooling
- crying or moaning while eating
- complete food avoidance
An untreated cavity can become very dangerous, especially if it infects nearby tissue. You should take your cat to the vet immediately if he is in a lot of pain.
Your vet will be able to prescribe antibiotics to treat any infection and pain relievers to make your cat feel better if the cavity is left untreated.
Home care after surgery
As we have learned, complications after tooth extraction in cats are rare, but they do occur. Pet owners should follow post-operative instructions at home to ensure their cats make a speedy recovery with few or no complications.
Here are some helpful tips for giving your pet the most effective post-extraction care possible:
- All antibiotics and pain relievers should be taken as prescribed.
- Follow all home care instructions to speed up the healing process.
- Watch for any signs of infection at the extraction site.
- Your cat may need to eat soft food while it heals after a tooth extraction.
- Two to three days after the procedure, take the cat back to the vet. This is to make sure that everything went according to plan, that the cat is healing properly, and that there are no complications.
To give your cat the best post-op care, follow your vet’s advice.
Continuous Oral Care
Depending on the complexity of the procedure, it may be wise to refrain from brushing your cat’s teeth in delicate areas of the mouth while it heals. To maintain your cat’s ongoing oral care, you may want to consider some alternatives to brushing.
To maintain proper oral hygiene, clean your cat’s teeth twice a week after the mouth has fully healed (10 to 14 days). Keep a close eye on your cat’s teeth and gums for any changes.
Be sure to feed your cat a premium cat-specific diet. This diet should be low in vitamin D and high in calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. Ingredients must not contain fillers.
Keep checking your cat’s dental health regularly: Your vet may recommend dental cleanings every six months or every two years, depending on your cat’s health.
final thoughts
In cats, complications during or after dental surgery tend to be rare. When problems do arise, they may be the result of unintentional damage to the jaw, untreated cavities, or extracted teeth that are still in the mouth.
Taking your cat back to the vet a few days after surgery will help your vet determine if there are any complications to address. In the meantime, you can observe your cat’s symptoms at home and follow the post-operative care instructions provided by your veterinarian. This will ensure that everything went according to plan, that your cat is recovering well, and that there are no problems.
Sources and further reading
This article is accurate and true to the best knowledge and belief of the author. It is not intended to replace the formal and individualized diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription or advice of a veterinary medical professional. Animals showing signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
© 2022 Luisa Fiolek