Exodontics

Abstract

Indications for extractions The primary indications for dental extractions in cats and dogs are severe periodontitis (PD4), deep crown-root fractures and most root fractures, teeth with structural damage beyond repair, persistent and/or fractured deciduous teeth, supernumerary teeth interfering with occlusion or periodontal health, deciduous teeth causing malocclusion, unerupted teeth, teeth affected by tooth resorption (depending on the type and extent of the resorption), teeth in a fracture line that do not contribute to stability or are interfereing with bone healing, and teeth affected with periodontitis or surrounded by neoplastic tissue before irradiation (Fig. 1, 2). Teeth should also be extracted if they have crown fracture with pulp exposure, are non-vital or highly suspicious of having pulpitis, were previously endodontically treated but radiographic re-check reveals a failure, have caries, and teeth causing traumatic malocclusion, if other treatment options are deemed inappropriate or not elected by the client. Elective (full-mouth) dental extractions are also still the main treatment step in cats with chronic gingivostomatitis.