Animals suffer from dental problems as we humans do, and in many cases, it can be so severe that tooth extraction is the best course of action from getting relief from pain. Tooth extraction is not something that is performed so easily in any circumstances. If your cat is suffering from moderate to severe periodic problems or a condition that is commonly known as feline tooth resorption, our veterinary dentist decides whether an extraction is the best course of action to prevent the issue from getting worsen.

When Is Tooth Extraction Necessary?

The feline periodontal disease is just like any other condition, which is defined by the inflammation and upcoming infection of the gums. Periodontal disease can also be referred to as dental disease, gum disease, and periodontitis, which is quite common in cats, almost 70% of felines develop some degree of the condition by the time your cat is 3 years old.

Periodontal disease occurs when plaque, which is an invisible, bacteria-laden film that is formed on the surface of your kitty’s teeth and penetrates below the gum line, causes swelling, bleeding, and besoreness. Eventually, infection occurs that can reach the jaw bone and into the bloodstream where it could damage major organs.

Since the periodontal disease cannot be reversed, hence it is essential that you do everything to help prevent it from happening, by brushing your cat’s teeth regularly. If a tooth is badly affected by periodontal disease, the tooth root will be compromised and may require extraction.

Feline Tooth Resorption

Feline tooth resorption is a common and painful condition that can affect 50% of cats at some point during in their lifetime. In most cases, many owners are unaware of such conditions and do not recognize symptoms, due to which many cats do not get the on-time treatment when they needed.

Feline resorption occurs when the cat’s body starts to break down and reabsorb the structures that create the tooth, beginning from the enamel along the gum line, and then it continues to affect the whole tooth and there is a small bump remaining on the gums. The first sign of tooth resorption is the development of a cavity, which is often overlooked. Since cavities in cats are extremely rare, anything that looks like a cavity is almost a sign of tooth resorption.

Cats are good at hiding, including dental pain. However, there are some symptoms which include:

* Difficulty in eating or dropping food

* Bleeding in the gum line

* Loss of appetite

* Unusual behavior

* Weight loss

The good news is most cats make a speedy recovery from the extraction procedure, provided they only lost one or two teeth, and the kitty still has full function of the mouth.

It is very difficult for most owners to identify whether their cat is suffering from any dental problems. For this reason, having regular check-ups with your vet is very important, as they can spot the potential issues early and can arrange for necessary prevention or can start the treatment to stop your cat from suffering.

For more questions and detail about feline extractions, or if you would like an appointment for your cat, our team will be happy to assist you. Please call us today!