Vet Dentistry: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Explained
There are lots of reasons that an animal may require oral surgery. Not all oral surgeries are significant; they might be as basic as removing plaque and calculus from tooth roots, extracting an unsalvageable tooth, etc. But of course, certain conditions require dental surgery.
Nonetheless, whether minor or major surgical procedures, as a pet owner, you need to know why your vet refers your pet to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Read on to learn more concerning this dental specialization.
What is a veterinary surgeon?
A veterinary surgeon has gone through advanced training to become a specialist after veterinary school. This training includes a minimum of a one-year internship followed by a three-year residency program. During their residency, they undergo specific training and caseload requirements. In addition, they need to do research that should be published in a scientific journal and then pass a comprehensive examination. If you’re looking for a vet surgeon, try browsing their surgery page.
What is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon?
You may be familiar with a vet dentist; apart from your primary vet, you possibly bring your pet to a dentist. They make sure that your pet’s oral health is in excellent condition. Pet dental cleaning is simply among the many dental treatments they offer. You could check this “pet dentist near me” page if you’re looking for a dentist.
Oral and maxillofacial surgery is simply one of the many subspecialties in dentistry. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a board-certified dentist with advanced training in dealing with diseases, injury, and defects in the teeth, jaws, face, head, and neck. This requires advanced training and collaboration with other specialists in comprehensive animal hospitals. You can visit them today.
Why Pet Is Referred to an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Suppose your cat or dog has an oral-related issue or injury requiring advanced care and procedures. In that case, your primary veterinarian or dentist might refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Here are a few of the medical treatments they perform:
Trauma Reconstruction
Head trauma can be brought on by an animal bite, falling from heights, projectiles, vehicular accidents, etc. Such injury or trauma can cause severe pain and disrupt occlusion and oral functions. When an injury affects the teeth or soft tissues, the animal might not be able to use its mouth correctly. This translates to losing the ability to eat, groom, and protect themselves.
Tumor Removal and Reconstruction
The treatment plan for the tumor is based on biopsy results. The best course of action for most tumors is to remove them altogether; this often results in a better prognosis. After removing the mass, a facial reconstruction usually follows. Reconstruction is not just for the aesthetic outcome but also for the oral function to become normal again.
Periodontal Surgery
Periodontal surgery perhaps is one of the most common maxillofacial procedures. In some cases, extracting the affected teeth is the only means to release the patient from excruciating pain. Even what might seem like a simple tooth extraction still requires a surgical closure on the extraction site to deny access to food and bacteria.
Conclusion
There are times that pets develop more complicated conditions, and the only feasible remedy is oral surgery. Only a dentist specializing in oral and maxillofacial surgery can deal most properly with cases like extraction of tumorous growths, provide solutions for palate defects, and repair jaw fractures.
They are dedicated to providing the very best in surgical care. Maxillofacial surgeons are a resource for your primary veterinarians and dentists in situations beyond their scope. Following the surgery and other post-operative care, expect your primary veterinarian to return to the ongoing care for the animal.
