Oral Surgery and Tooth Extractions in Veterinary Medicine

Flashcards covering key oral anatomy, dental extraction techniques, equipment management, flap design principles, and post-operative care from lecture notes.

Which teeth in dogs normally have three roots?

Teeth 108, 109, 110, 208, 209, and 210.

Which teeth in dogs normally have two roots?

Teeth 106, 107, 206, 207, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 406, 407, 408, 409, and 410.

Which teeth in dogs normally have a single root?

Teeth 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 305, 311, 405, and 411.

Which teeth in cats normally have three roots?

Teeth 108 and 208.

Which teeth in cats normally have two roots?

Teeth 107, 109, 207, 209, 307, 308, 309, 407, 408, and 409.

Which teeth in cats normally have a single root?

Incisors, canine teeth, 106, and 206.

Where is the mandibular canal located, and what structures does it contain?

It is located in the ventral 1/3 of the mandible and contains the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle.

What is a simple (nonsurgical) tooth extraction?

An extraction not requiring a gingival incision (other than within the sulcus) or sectioning of the tooth.

What is a surgical (open) tooth extraction?

An extraction that requires a gingival incision, bone removal, and/or sectioning of the tooth.

What is the definition of dental elevation?

The process by which the periodontal ligament is fatigued or torn and alveolar bone is expanded to facilitate removal of the tooth from the alveolus using an elevator as a lever.

What is the definition of dental luxation?

The process by which the periodontal ligament is cut or severed to loosen teeth from the surrounding alveolar bone.

What are the primary indications for tooth extraction?

Severe periodontitis, pulp necrosis, tooth resorption, stomatitis, fractured teeth (adult or deciduous), traumatic malocclusion, crowding, unerupted teeth, unhealthy teeth in a jaw fracture line, and failed endodontic treatment.

What severe systemic diseases serve as contraindications for tooth extractions?

Congestive Heart Failure, uremia, uncontrolled endocrine disease, severe coagulopathies, and untreated leukemia or lymphoma.

What are the three fundamental steps for a successful extraction?

1. Adequate visualization of the tooth to be extracted. 2. An unimpeded pathway for the removal of the tooth. 3. Use of controlled force to luxate or elevate and remove the tooth.

What hand position technique should be used when holding an elevator or luxator?

The tennis ball grip, securing the instrument in the palm of the hand with the index finger functioning as a stop to prevent penetrating too deeply.

How do elevators and luxators differ in their mechanical principles and blade design?

Elevators act as levers/wheels with semicircular blades to fatigue and tear periodontal ligament fibers. Luxators act as wedges with flat blades made of softer metal to cut the periodontal ligament fibers.

What suture material and needle design are recommended for oral closure post-extraction?

4-0 or 5-0 Monocryl with a reverse cutting or tapered needle.

Why must high-speed handpiece burs be replaced if caught in soft tissue or gauze?

The handpiece turbine can only rotate in one direction; running a stuck bur damages the turbine.

In a standard 4-hole high-speed handpiece connection, where should oil be applied for maintenance?

Oil goes into the smaller of the two large air holes.

What are key principles of flap design for surgical extractions?

Ensure sufficient size for exposure, maintain a wide base compared to the free margin to preserve blood supply, place flap edges over intact bone to prevent dehiscence, and use vertical releasing incisions at line angles for non-tension closure.

At what angle should a needle enter gingival or mucosal tissue during closure?

At a 90-degree angle, followed by rotation of the needle holder so the needle passes smoothly through tissue without tearing.

Why are pre- and post-extraction intraoral dental radiographs required?

Pre-extraction radiographs arrive at a diagnosis and justify surgical planning. Post-extraction radiographs verify complete removal for medical records documentation.

What post-operative homecare instructions should be provided following dental extractions?

Soft food for 5 to 7 days, avoid chew toys and treats for 7 to 10 days, and resume tooth brushing after 3 to 4 days while avoiding the extraction area (or wait 7 days if unable to avoid the area).

To which teeth does simple (nonsurgical) extraction apply, and what tooth type is excluded?

It applies to any single-rooted tooth or tooth with fused roots, but does NOT apply to canine teeth (104, 204, 304, 404).

Where should a luxator or elevator be placed when extracting a dog's maxillary third incisor?

On the mesial-palatal and distal-palatal surfaces to prevent slippage.

How much buccal alveolar bone is typically removed during open extraction of multi-rooted teeth?

The coronal 1/2 of the alveolar bone.

What major blood vessels must be avoided during flap creation for a maxillary canine extraction?

The lateral nasal artery and the major palatine artery.

Why must bone removal never be performed on the lingual aspect of the mandibular canine tooth?

Removing lingual bone significantly increases the risk of a jaw fracture.

What neurovascular structure exiting near the mandibular canine tooth must be protected during vertical releasing incisions?

The mental neurovascular structures exiting the middle mental foramen.