No one wants to think about the worst-case scenario, especially when it concerns our pets. The best thing to do in the event of a pet-related emergency is to be prepared. And while various things could go wrong and require you to take your pet dog or cat to the emergency vet, we’re focused on dental health in this article and what to do if you need to get your pet into a vet dentist as soon as possible.
Treatment Options for Pets With Dental Emergencies
There are various methods to deal with dental emergencies in pets, and everything comes down to the main source of the problem. Gingivitis in pets requires regular oral cleanings by a veterinarian. However, a severe oral injury may require surgery. Here’s a list of the most frequent dental emergencies in pets and how they are treated.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis develops when tartar and bacteria build up in the mouth, leading to gums swelling. This is something that occurs very often in pets, and it can cause them to be in a lot of pain or discomfort. Surprisingly, gingivitis is a condition that responds quite well to treatment. In many cases, it can be dealt with by having a vet do your pet teeth cleaning and practicing better dental hygiene in your home.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease can develop when a pet suffers from gingivitis for an extended period without getting treatment. This illness is caused by an infection that infects the tissues that surround the tooth. Teeth cleanings typically are not sufficient to treat periodontal disease on their own because the infection is present much deeper in this condition than in gingivitis. This kind of dental emergency can entail the need for oral surgery to be treated in a veterinary clinic like Surfside Animal Hospital.
Injuries
Injuries to the head and mouth can create a wide variety of complicated and life-threatening problems. The type of treatment required for dealing with this type of dental emergency will differ from patient to patient. A surgical procedure will most certainly be recommended for treating severe injuries, but other treatments or preventative care may suffice for less serious injuries. You can read more information online on how to treat dental injuries in pets.
Abscesses and Severe Infections
This condition is usually triggered by a fractured tooth that has become infected with oral microorganisms. Antibiotics, pain medication, and tooth extraction treat abscessed teeth in dogs or cats. Antibiotics are frequently given three days prior to dental surgery and dental treatment. They are also used to prevent severe infections from spreading to other parts of your pet’s body.
The only effective approach to addressing an abscessed tooth is extraction because the disease permanently affects the tooth’s supporting components, making it hard for the tooth to perform the functions it is supposed to do.
Final Thoughts
Having a pet is a longtime commitment. The majority of pet owners misinterpret the frequent dental pet emergencies and wait too long to ask for help. If you believe your pet has an oral emergency problem, you must call your veterinarian immediately. They will either give you an appointment as quickly as possible or refer you to an animal medical facility that can provide immediate assistance.