Full-Mouth Tooth Extractions – When and Why

 

Cats can develop problems with their mouths and teeth over the course of their lives.  Typically mouth problems are related to gingivitis – just like people – and veterinarians will treat them with regular teeth cleanings and a tooth extraction if it’s warranted.  Some cats may experience more severe mouth problems in the form of stomatitis, which is caused when a cat’s autoimmune system overreacts to plaque on its teeth, causing swelling, ulcers and extreme pain.  

 

Imagine having canker sores in your mouth all the time. That’s what a cat experiences with severe gingivitis or stomatitis – constant pain, which will impact almost every aspect of a his life. 

 

Journey and Poppy both had full-mouth extractions

 

 

Cats are good at hiding pain but when they have stomatitis, an owner might see a range of symptoms, like losing interest in eating, weight loss, bad breath, drooling and pawing at his mouth.  If stomatitis has advanced to the point where your cat has ulcers in his mouth already, you may see blood in his drool.  These symptoms may impact lots of different areas of your cat’s health so if any are happening, an immediate vet visit is in order.

 

Because they aren’t exactly sure what causes stomatitis, vets usually rely on treatments to reduce swelling and pain management.  For severe cases, the most effective way to treat this condition is to remove the trigger, which is plaque on a cat’s teeth.  The best way to do that is to remove all a cat’s teeth, called a full-mouth extraction.  That sounds like a scary and painful prospect but when it’s done the cat is no longer in pain, there will be no more plaque present in his mouth to bring on stomatitis.  

 

It’s important to note that full-mouth extraction is not always a 100% cure for stomatitis.  It is possible that occasionally a cat will still continue having problems after having it done.

 

The big question for most pet owners is “How will my cat eat with no teeth?”  The good news is that they’ll do fine.  Many people report that their cats are happily able to eat kibbles as well as canned food when they have healed.  They just don’t chew the way they used to.

Seven had a full-mouth extraction and Voldo will have his today.

 

 

 

 

 

Several BCR cats have had full-mouth extractions for stomatitis and dental problems and they are doing GREAT!   Visit our 24-hour cameras and watch Journey, Poppy and Seven in action.  They eat, sleep and play very happily and, most importantly, they are pain free.  Voldo will also soon have the same procedure for his very painful stomatitis.  

 

So, while it sounds really dire and scary, if your cat needs a full-mouth extraction, it’s because he’s already in a lot of pain and the process will take that away and give him back his happy life.  Most vets these days are able to do dental procedures and extractions in their offices.  If they aren’t, they’ll recommend a dental specialist.  Take care of your cat post-operatively with their instructions and soon your happy and content cat will be back with you and pain free!

 

CLICK HERE to read more about this procedure.