Applied feline oral anatomy and tooth extraction techniques: an illustrated guide.

Abstract

Tooth extraction is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in small animal practice. The clinician must be familiar with normal oral anatomy, utilize nomenclature accepted in dentistry and oral surgery, use the modified Triadan system for numbering teeth, identify normal structures on a dental radiograph, understand the tissues that hold the teeth in the jaws, know the biomechanical principles of tooth extraction, be able to choose the most appropriate instrument for removal of a tooth, extract teeth using closed and open techniques, and create tension-free flaps for closure of extraction sites. This review is intended to familiarize both the general and referral practitioner with feline oral anatomy and tooth extraction techniques. Tooth extraction is predominantly performed in cats with tooth resorption, chronic gingivostomatitis and periodontal disease. The basic contents of a feline tooth extraction kit are explained. The guidance contained within this review is based on a combination of the published literature, the authors' personal experience and the experience of colleagues.