Before & After DENTAL Surgery
Preparation and After Care for Dental Surgery
Everything you need to know to confidently care for your pet before and after their surgical procedure.
Dental Disease in Pets: What You Need to Know
Dental disease is one of the most common health issues in pets, affecting around 80% of dogs and cats by the age of three. Often painful and progressive, dental disease can severely impact your pet’s quality of life if left untreated.
The 4 Stages of Pet Dental Disease
Stage 1
Tartar buildup without gingivitis (early and reversible).
Stage 2
Tartar with gingivitis (painful but still reversible).
Stage 3
Tartar, gingivitis, and early periodontal disease (irreversible damage begins).
Stage 4
Severe periodontal disease, loose teeth, infection, and significant bone loss.
Stage 1 and Stage 2 can be treated and reversed with professional cleaning and consistent home dental care.
Stage 3 and Stage 4, however, involve irreversible damage, chronic pain, and often require tooth extractions to resolve the infection and relieve discomfort.
Why Early Detection Matters
Unfortunately, many pets don’t show obvious signs of pain, and dental disease is often not treated until it has reached Stage 3 or 4. At this point, pets may suffer from inflamed gums, infected teeth, bad breath, and difficulty eating—often requiring more extensive dental surgery.
Early intervention and regular dental checks can help prevent pain, tooth loss, and more serious health complications.
Common Signs of Dental Disease in Pets
Keep an eye out for these symptoms, which may indicate your pet is experiencing dental pain or oral health issues:
- Reduced appetite or reluctance to eat
- Avoiding hard food or chewing on one side
- Excessive drooling
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Yellow or brown tartar buildup on teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Loose, missing, or broken teeth
- Weight loss or lethargy
- Pawing at the mouth or face
Dental Surgery FAQ's:
Why did my Vet recommend a Dental Procedure for my pet?
Procedures are often recommended when your pet shows signs of dental disease. In early stages (Stage 1 or 2), treatment involves cleaning the teeth under general anaesthetic using ultrasonic scaling, hand tools, and fluoride polishing. In more advanced stages (Stage 3 or 4), painful issues like loose or infected teeth may require extractions
Why is there a price range on my Dental Surgery estimate?
Dental disease can hide beneath plaque and tartar, so we can’t always know the full extent of the issue until your pet is under anaesthesia and we’ve taken dental X-rays. The estimate includes potential tooth extractions, and costs may vary depending on how many extractions are required. We will always call you to discuss any findings before proceeding.
What happens during a pet dental procedure?
Your pet will be given a sedative and pain relief, followed by anaesthetic via an IV catheter. A breathing tube is placed for safety. The vet removes tartar, scales the teeth above and below the gum line, and probes for hidden disease. X-rays help assess tooth health. If needed, extractions are performed—sometimes using a surgical technique called a “flap” to access difficult roots. Dissolvable stitches may be used.
What should I expect after my pet's dental surgery?
Most pets go home the same day, although frail pets or those having extensive extractions may stay overnight. Some animals may have mild tummy upset—start with a bland meal like boiled chicken or fish. Recovery time and diet recommendations depend on how many teeth were removed. A slight cough can occur post-anaesthesia but typically resolves in a few days. Medication instructions should be followed closely, and a post-op check-up will be scheduled within a week.
What are the pre-surgery instructions I need to follow?
No food after midnight before the procedure (water is okay).
No breakfast on the morning of surgery.
Toilet time: Make sure your pet has a chance to toilet before coming in.
Arrival time: Arrive 5 minutes before your scheduled admission.
Mobile contact: Provide a contactable mobile number for the day.
Pre-anaesthetic blood test: Required for pets aged 7+, optional for younger pets.
Deposit: A 50% deposit is required at morning admission.
Collection: You’ll receive an SMS when your pet is in recovery. Expect discharge between 4–6pm with a vet consultation.
Discharge appointment: The vet will go over your pet’s X-ray and blood results and post-op care at pick-up.