18 May Pet Dental Myth: Extraction Sites Need To Be Left Open to Drain
When infected teeth are extracted, many vets will say that they intentionally didn’t close the area to allow for pus or debris to be drained. Unfortunately, this myth can have severe consequences with regard to the healing of the extraction site, and can even cause worse problems than originally seen.
This is what we do know: Pus is rarely present and periapical lucency’s seen on dental radiographs are usually granulomas and not true abscesses.
Surgical closure (tension-free) will allow the extraction site to be more comfortable during the healing phase, promote faster healing, and prevent an oronasal fistula (hole from the oral cavity to the nasal cavity).
If your doctor is recommending taking a tooth out, make sure that it is surgically closed. It absolutely must be tension-free or the area will open causing pain, infection and possibly fistulae.
14 day recheck exam showing complete healing
Barden Greenfield, DVM, DAVDC Your Pet Dentist