Nobody wants to think about the worst-case scenario, especially when it comes to our pets. The best thing to do in the event of a pet-related emergency is to be prepared. And while numerous 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 different methods to deal with dental emergencies in pets, and it all comes down to the main cause of the problem. Gingivitis in pets necessitates routine 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 germs accumulate in the mouth, leading to gums inflammation. This is something that occurs very frequently 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 most cases, it can be addressed by having a veterinarian do regular dental cleanings and practicing better dental hygiene at home. To learn more about why gingivitis can lead to an oral emergency situation, talk to your vet and ask how to avoid it.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease can develop when a pet suffers from gingivitis for an extended period without getting treatment. This ailment is caused by an infection that infects the tissues that surround the tooth. Teeth cleanings typically are not enough to treat periodontal disease on their own since the infection is much deeper in this condition than in gingivitis. In reality, this type of pet urgent care can entail the need for dental surgery to be treated.
Injuries
Injuries to the head and mouth can create a wide variety of complicated and life-threatening problems. The kind of treatment required for dealing with this type of dental emergency will vary from patient to patient. A surgical procedure will be highly recommended for treating severe injuries, but other treatments or preventive pet dental care may be sufficient for less serious injuries.
Abscesses and Severe Infections
This condition is usually caused by a fractured tooth that has become infected with dental bacteria. Antibiotics, pain medication, and tooth extraction treat abscessed teeth in dogs or cats. Antibiotics are commonly given three days before dental surgery and oral treatment. They also prevent severe infections from infecting other parts of your pet’s body.
The only effective approach to treating an abscessed tooth is extraction because the condition permanently affects the tooth’s supporting components, making it difficult for the tooth to carry out the functions it is supposed to do.
Final Thoughts
Having a pet is a longtime commitment. Most pet owners misinterpret the frequent dental pet emergencies and wait too long to ask for help. If you believe that your pet has an oral emergency concern, you should call your vet 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.