Mandibular Canine Extraction Pets Advanced Animal Dentistry

This surgical procedure involves removing a pet’s lower canine teeth, typically to address issues like malocclusion, fractured teeth or advanced periodontal disease. Here is our comprehensive guide on Mandibular Canine Extractions, a crucial aspect of veterinary dentistry dedicated to ensuring the wellbeing of furry companions.

About Mandibular Canine Teeth & reasons for extraction

Mandibular canine teeth play a significant role in dental health, with their large pointed structure and strong roots. While these teeth are strategically important for grasping, defence and tearing objects, they are not indispensable for your domestic dog or cat’s basic function and ability to eat.

Extraction of mandibular canine teeth is common for issues such as malocclusion, fractures or treating non-vital teeth, or advanced periodontal disease. The decision is made carefully, considering alternatives when possible.

“Jaw fractures are rare with proper technique and case selection.”

Animal Advanced Dentistry - Mandibular canine extraction procedure

The procedure, complications & concerns

Mandibular canine extraction typically involves surgery due to the tooth’s size and strong anchorage. The procedure includes creating a mucogingival flap, exposing the root, possibly removing bone, and then elevating and luxating the tooth. Skilled technique is crucial to reduce complications.

The most common issue is wound breakdown, which usually resolves with minimal intervention. Jaw fractures are rare with proper technique and case selection. Changes in jaw strength and tongue position are generally cosmetic and manageable.

“Bone loss after extraction is localised and rarely causes significant problems.”

AAD-Mandibular Canine Extractions Treatment Options

Regarding jaw structure & treatment options

Bone loss after extraction is localised and rarely causes significant problems. In younger patients, the extraction often doesn’t lead to major structural changes. Severe periodontal disease may cause more noticeable alterations. Concerns about the tongue dropping are mostly cosmetic and rarely seen, particularly in cats.

Despite common concerns, mandibular canine extraction is a safe and effective procedure for addressing painful conditions. It provides relief for pets and peace of mind for owners. While alternatives such as orthodontics or root canal therapy are available, their suitability depends on the specific case.

Meet the Author

Bec Tucker

Specialist Veterinary Dentist – BVSc (Hons) MANZCVS (Small Animal Dentistry and Oral Surgery) 
Diplomate, American Veterinary Dental College™

Hi, I’m Dr Bec Tucker, and my journey into veterinary dentistry has been unexpected yet incredibly fulfilling. In fact, dentistry wasn’t on my radar at all when I graduated with a BVSc (Hons) from the University of Sydney in 2007. I was fortunate to meet veterinarians who had found their passion for dentistry, and their encouragement and enthusiasm shifted my perspective. Through continuing education lectures and workshops, I went from not fancying dentistry and oral surgery to genuinely loving it.

FAQs

What is a mandibular canine extraction—and when is it recommended?

It’s the surgical removal of one or both lower canine teeth to resolve pain from malocclusion (e.g., base‑narrow/linguoverted canines), fractures, non‑vital teeth, or advanced periodontal disease—see the overview on Mandibular Canine Extractions and background on Linguoverted Canine Teeth

Will removing the lower canine affect my dog’s eating or jaw strength?

Most pets eat normally after tooth removal, and bone remodelling is typically localised with minimal long‑term impact—see Animal Tooth Extractions (eating) and the jaw‑structure section in Mandibular Canine Extractions (bone change and tongue position concerns).

What are the main risks or complications?

Complications are uncommon but can include temporary wound breakdown, rare jaw fractures, and cosmetic tongue changes after lower canine removal—these are discussed on Mandibular Canine Extractions and reinforced under after‑care on Surgical Extractions

What happens during the procedure—and how is pain managed?

Under general anaesthesia, your pet receives a nerve block, radiographs guide the approach, the tooth is removed via a surgical flap (with dissolvable sutures), and recovery is monitored—see the step‑by‑step on Surgical Extractions and anaesthesia detail under Complex Anaesthesia

How long is recovery and what home care is typical?

Most patients go home the same day. They will need a soft/modified diet for several days. Please avoid mouth games for a week, and return for a post‑op check at ~1 week—see the day‑of and after‑care guidance on Surgical Extractions and owner info in What to Expect

What are the alternatives if extraction isn’t the best fit?

Depending on age and case goals, options include orthodontics like an Inclined Plane / Crown Extensions , crown height reduction with vital pulpotomy (Height Reduction and Vital Pulpotomy), or root canal therapy for salvageable teeth—your vet dentist will weigh these against extraction as outlined on Mandibular Canine Extractions

Key Takeaways

When it’s chosen

Extraction of one or both lower canines is used to resolve pain from malocclusion, fractures, non‑vital teeth, or advanced periodontal disease. It’s a safe, effective option with case‑by‑case consideration of alternatives.

Function & appearance after

Most pets eat normally after extraction. Post‑extraction bone change is typically localised, jaw fractures are rare with good technique, and occasional tongue protrusion is usually just cosmetic.

Anaesthesia & intra‑op care

Procedures are done under general anaesthesia with a nerve block, dental radiographs to plan the approach, dissolvable sutures, and same‑day discharge in most cases.

Recovery plan

Expect a modified diet for several days, no mouth games, and short leash walks for a week, plus a post‑op check at that point.

Next steps

For Pet Owners

Are you concerned about your pet’s dental health? Call 1300 866 848 or fill out the contact form. We’ll coordinate with your primary vet to ensure the best outcome.

For Vets & Nurses

We’re here to help. If you’d like to refer a patient, please call us at 1300 866 848 , complete the referral form or email us with a brief case summary, relevant radiographs and lab results.

For advice and treatment guidance, email us with a brief case summary, relevant radiographs and lab results.

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