06 Mar Emergency Oral Surgery for Pets: What to Expect
When it comes to our beloved pets, we always want them to be healthy and happy. But sometimes, pets experience dental problems that require more than just a routine checkup. Emergency oral surgery may be necessary if your pet faces a serious oral health issue that requires immediate intervention. Understanding what to expect can help alleviate anxiety and prepare you for what lies ahead.
Why Would Pets Need Emergency Oral Surgery?
Pets, just like humans, are prone to dental issues that can worsen quickly if not addressed. Common dental problems that may require emergency oral surgery include:
- Fractured teeth: Pets can break their teeth while chewing on hard objects or during accidents. A broken tooth can be painful and may lead to infection if not treated promptly.
- Abscesses and infections: A severe infection or abscess in the mouth or gums can cause swelling, pain, and difficulty eating. This can become life-threatening if left untreated.
- Oral tumors: Tumors or growths in a pet’s mouth can cause discomfort, bleeding, or difficulty eating and drinking. Some tumors may require surgical removal for a better prognosis.
- Periodontal disease: Advanced gum disease can lead to tooth loss, pain, and infection if not addressed early on. In severe cases, oral surgery may be necessary to remove affected tissue and teeth.
- Luxated teeth: When teeth undergo trauma and are displaced from their socket, (luxated) time is of the essence if we are hoping to save these teeth.
- Jaw fractures: Broken jaws are very painful, and also cause bite issues if not repaired in a timely manner.
The Process of Emergency Oral Surgery
If your veterinarian determines that emergency oral surgery is required for pets, here’s what you can expect:
- Pre-Surgery Assessment: Before the surgery, your veterinary dentist will conduct a thorough examination to assess the extent of the dental issue. This is especially important for conditions like fractures or infections that may require more invasive intervention. Unfortunately, many times the extent of the problem cannot be determined without imaging and anesthesia. Blood tests will also be performed to ensure your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia.
- Anesthesia: Like any surgical procedure, oral surgery requires anesthesia to keep your pet calm, pain-free, and still. An intravenous (IV) catheter will be placed for fluid administration and to allow for quick access to medications if necessary. Monitoring equipment will be used throughout the procedure to keep track of your pet’s heart rate, oxygen levels, and blood pressure. An endotracheal tube (breathing tube) will be placed to protect your pet’s airway and prevent aspiration of fluids into the lungs.
- The Surgery: The type of surgery will depend on the diagnosis. If your pet has a broken tooth, it may need to be treated with root canal therapy or extracted. For oral tumors, the veterinary dentist will likely remove a small piece during the first anesthesia and send it out to a pathologist to determine what type of growth it is. They will then be able to create a plan for a second stage to remove the growth in its entirety. It is important to know what a growth is prior to treatment- different types of growths need to be handled very differently!
- Post-Surgery Care: After surgery, your pet will need some time to recover. Your vet will provide pain medications and may recommend a soft diet to avoid irritating the surgical site. It’s important to follow post-surgery instructions, including any required follow-up visits, to ensure proper healing and prevent complications. Your vet may also advise limiting activity to prevent strain on the surgical site.
Signs That Your Pet May Need Emergency Oral Surgery
You should seek emergency veterinary care if your pet shows any of the following signs:
- Difficulty eating or chewing
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Bad breath or drooling excessively
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Swelling around the mouth or jaw
- Behavior changes, such as irritability or withdrawal due to pain
Final Thoughts
Emergency oral surgery can sound intimidating, but it is often the best way to prevent further complications and alleviate your pet’s pain. By working closely with your veterinarian, you can ensure that your pet gets the care they need for a full recovery. Regular dental checkups and good at-home dental care, including brushing your pet’s teeth and providing dental treats, can help prevent dental emergencies in the future.
If you’re ever in doubt about your pet’s oral health, it’s always best to consult your veterinary dentist right away.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (03/06/2025) Photo by Micah Giszack on Unsplash
