Should My Pet Be On Antibiotics After A Tooth Extraction?

We perform a lot of oral surgery, and most of these are surgical extractions. Many clients ask if they should have their dog or cat on antibiotics after the extraction to prevent secondary infection. This is a valid request and it comes with a different response than what you may expect.

When Are Antibiotics Necessary After Oral Surgery?

While there are some instances when your pet requires systemic antibiotics after surgery, the vast majority DO NOT require any additional medication other than anti-inflammatories or other pain medication. If your pet has a systemic disease such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or Cushing’s Disease or is immune compromised, antibiotic therapy may be chosen to prevent secondary infection. This is also true for those very severe cases of periodontitis where the gums are extremely inflamed, and there is significant bone involvement. Otherwise, there is really no need for your pet to be on any antibiotic, either before or after an oral surgical extraction.

Helping Your Pet Heal After Surgery

Veterinary dentists are meticulous oral surgeons. When we remove a tooth, we clean out the alveolus (tooth socket) by debriding and rinsing carefully. In addition, we prepare a surgical flap that uses freshened edges to close so the surgical site is clean and void of debris. When closed, a surgical flap helps that area heal quickly.  Following post-operative instructions such as feeding softened foods, avoiding hard chews, and supervised walks will allow this tissue to heal as expected. Failure to adhere to those recommendations puts your pet at significant risk of flap failure, causing oral discomfort and infection.

Why Antibiotics Are Usually Avoided

The world, and I mean the entire world, has an antibiotic resistance problem. Due to the overuse of antibiotics, people and animals are experiencing a series of life-threatening situations. One of the biggest and most dangerous outcomes is MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). Just walk down the hall from our office and talk to the great dermatologists at Nashville Veterinary Dermatology. Drs. Ackerman and O’Neill see a ton of MRSA cases monthly. These cases can be life-threatening, so it’s best to avoid antibiotic usage unless there is a systemic reason for doing so.

In conclusion, here are the three main reasons to avoid using antibiotics after extraction:

1. Unnecessary Antibiotic Use: Overprescribing antibiotics can contribute to antibiotic resistance. If your pet’s extraction was straightforward and your veterinarian did not identify any signs of infection, antibiotics may not be needed.
2. Natural Healing: The mouth has a rich blood supply, which helps promote natural healing. In many cases, a healthy pet can recover from an extraction without the need for antibiotics. However, a surgical flap is imperative. Having an ‘open extraction site’ sets the area up for infection and delays healing.
3. Side Effects: Antibiotics can have side effects, such as gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. If there’s no infection, avoiding these potential side effects is beneficial.

Always follow your veterinarian’s advice, as they tailor their recommendations to your pet’s specific needs. If you’re unsure about the reasoning, it’s always good to ask them to explain their decision in detail.