
14 Jan What is a Veterinary Oral Surgeon, and Does Your Pet Need One?
Pets, just like humans, can suffer from a variety of dental issues, ranging from mild problems like tartar buildup to more serious conditions, such as oral tumors, jaw fractures, or advanced gum disease. While most general veterinarians can provide basic dental care, there are certain dental problems that require the expertise of a veterinary oral surgeon. These professionals are trained to handle complex oral and dental issues that go beyond the scope of routine veterinary care.
What is a Veterinary Oral Surgeon?
A veterinary oral surgeon is a highly trained specialist who has advanced education and skills in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders affecting the teeth, gums, jaws, and mouth in animals. After completing veterinary school, oral surgeons undergo additional years of specialized training and education, gaining experience in performing complex dental surgeries, diagnosing oral diseases, and understanding the intricate anatomy of animal mouths.
Their expertise includes performing advanced procedures such as:
- Tooth Extractions: Removing teeth that are badly damaged, diseased, or fractured beyond repair.
- Oral Tumor Removal: Surgical intervention to remove benign or malignant tumors, cysts, or other abnormal growths within the mouth or jaw.
- Root Canal Treatments: Treating infected teeth to save them from needing extraction by cleaning and sealing the infected pulp inside the tooth.
- Periodontal Surgery: Advanced treatments for severe gum disease, including surgery to manage gum recession or bone loss caused by advanced periodontal disease.
- Jaw Fracture Repairs: Reconstructing and stabilizing fractured jaws due to trauma or injury.
Veterinary oral surgeons often use advanced imaging technologies, specialized instruments, and techniques that general veterinarians may not have access to or be trained in.
When Might Your Pet Need an Oral Surgeon?
There are several situations in which your pet may require the attention of an oral surgeon. Here are some common conditions that might necessitate a referral to a specialist:
- Severe Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is one of the most common dental problems in pets. When gum disease progresses to an advanced stage, it can lead to significant bone loss around the teeth, making simple treatments ineffective. A veterinary oral surgeon can perform procedures such as periodontal flap surgery, which involves lifting the gums to clean beneath them and then repositioning the gums to cover exposed bone and tooth roots.
- Oral Tumors
Oral tumors, which can be benign or malignant, are a major concern for pets, especially older dogs. These tumors often require surgical removal, and the expertise of a veterinary oral surgeon is crucial for ensuring complete excision while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. Early detection and removal of these tumors can significantly improve the prognosis for your pet.
- Fractured or Broken Teeth
Accidents or injuries can result in severely fractured or broken teeth, which can be painful and may lead to infections. In some cases, these teeth can be saved through procedures like root canals. However, if the damage is too severe, the tooth may need to be extracted. Veterinary oral surgeons have the specialized tools and experience to repair or remove fractured teeth safely.
- Jaw Fractures
Trauma from accidents or fights can cause jaw fractures in pets, which may result in pain, difficulty eating, or misalignment of the teeth. A veterinary oral surgeon is trained to properly realign and stabilize jaw fractures, ensuring that the bones heal correctly and that the pet regains full functionality of their mouth and jaw.
- Complex Dental Procedures
Some dental procedures, such as root canal treatments, complicated extractions, or surgeries to address unusual growths in the mouth, require advanced training. These procedures often necessitate the use of specialized equipment, such as dental radiographs (X-rays), CT scans, or advanced surgical instruments that are typically available only at specialty hospitals.
How to Know If Your Pet Needs an Oral Surgeon
If your pet is showing signs of dental discomfort, it’s important to act quickly. Symptoms such as bad breath, drooling, difficulty eating, pawing at the mouth, or visible swelling in the face or mouth could indicate a serious dental problem. If your regular veterinarian diagnoses a dental issue that requires advanced care, they will likely recommend a referral to a veterinary oral surgeon.
- Referral Process
Your primary veterinarian is the best person to guide you in seeking specialized care. They can assess your pet’s dental health and provide a referral to a qualified veterinary oral surgeon who can offer the necessary treatment.
- Veterinary Specialty Hospitals
Many veterinary specialty hospitals employ board-certified veterinary oral surgeons, and these centers are equipped with the necessary tools and technology to handle complex dental procedures. These hospitals typically accept referrals from general veterinarians and work closely with your pet’s regular care team to ensure the best possible outcome.
- Online Resources
If you’re looking for a veterinary oral surgeon on your own, various online resources, including the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC), can help you find a certified professional in your area.
How to Find a Veterinary Oral Surgeon
- Ask Your Veterinarian: A trusted referral from your primary veterinarian is often the best route to finding a qualified oral surgeon.
- Veterinary Specialty Hospitals: These hospitals typically have access to oral surgeons with specialized expertise.
- AVDC Listings: The American Veterinary Dental College offers a directory of board-certified veterinary dental specialists.
Why Early Detection is Key
Dental health plays a crucial role in your pet’s overall health and quality of life. Delaying treatment for oral health problems can lead to pain, infections, and even systemic health issues, such as heart disease, kidney problems, or liver disease. If you suspect your pet has dental issues, it’s important to schedule an examination with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Early intervention can help prevent the need for more complicated and costly procedures down the road.
Conclusion
While many pets can get by with regular check-ups and cleanings from their general veterinarian, some dental issues require the specialized skills of a veterinary oral surgeon. Whether your pet is dealing with a fractured tooth, a serious gum infection, or an oral tumor, a veterinary oral surgeon can provide the advanced care needed to address these conditions.
If your veterinarian recommends a referral, don’t hesitate to seek the expertise of an oral surgeon, as their specialized skills could make all the difference in your pet’s dental health and overall well-being.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (01/14/2025) Photo by Shreyash Mukherjee on Unsplash