Feline Dental Surgery
Seattle, WA
Cats are experts at hiding pain. By the time you notice your cat chewing on one side, dropping food, or turning away from their bowl, a dental problem may already be causing real discomfort.
At All About Cats Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Richard Lester, DVM, and our team provide gentle, thorough feline dental surgery near Seattle, WA. From routine cleanings to tooth extractions and treatment for complex conditions like stomatitis and tooth resorption, we help your cat get back to eating, grooming, and living comfortably.
Why Your Cat's Dental Health Can't Wait
Periodontal (gum) disease affects more than 70 percent of cats over age 3. Left untreated, it can lead to:
- Chronic bad breath and painful chewing
- Loose teeth and eventual tooth loss
- Harmful oral bacteria entering the bloodstream, putting your cat's overall health at risk
Dental disease doesn't go away on its own, and it rarely stays mild. Early treatment is usually simpler, more comfortable for your cat, and more affordable than waiting until the problem becomes severe.
Signs Your Cat Needs a Dental Checkup
We typically perform dental exams during your cat's annual wellness visit. However, if you notice any of the following between visits, schedule an appointment right away:
- Persistent bad breath
- Excessive drooling
- Bleeding or inflamed gums
- Discharge around the teeth or mouth
- Tooth discoloration
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Trouble eating, or stopping eating altogether
- Increased irritability or reluctance to be touched on the face
Feline Dental Surgery at All About Cats Veterinary Hospital
When dental disease progresses beyond what a cleaning can fix, oral surgery is often the most effective way to end your cat's pain and stop infection from spreading. Dr. Richard Lester, DVM, performs every dental surgery under general anesthesia, so your cat stays comfortable and still while we treat the problem thoroughly.
Surgical Tooth Extractions
Extractions may be necessary to address severe pain, infection, extensive fractures, or advanced periodontal disease. Removing a damaged or diseased tooth eliminates the source of pain and helps prevent infection from spreading to surrounding teeth and tissue. Many cats return to eating more comfortably once painful teeth are removed.
Extractions for Tooth Resorption
Tooth resorption gradually destroys a cat's tooth structure from the inside out, often surfacing at the gumline as a lesion that resembles a cavity. Because this damage can't be reversed and the condition is painful, extraction is typically the recommended treatment.
Surgical Treatment for Stomatitis
Stomatitis causes painful ulcers and inflammation throughout the mouth, triggered by an overactive immune response to periodontal bacteria. When medical management and oral hygiene aren't enough, extracting all of the teeth is sometimes necessary to resolve the pain and prevent further complications. We'll explain every option so you can make the best decision for your cat.
Surgery for Advanced Periodontal Disease
In advanced cases of gum disease, teeth may become loose, infected, or too damaged to save. Surgical treatment removes compromised teeth, followed by a thorough cleaning, polishing, and an antimicrobial rinse to help prevent reinfection.
Treatment for Broken or Fractured Teeth
A fractured tooth can expose sensitive inner structures and become a pathway for infection. Extraction under general anesthesia removes the source of pain and protects your cat's long-term oral health.
Dental Radiographs Guide Every Surgery
Much of a cat's dental disease hides beneath the gumline. We take dental radiographs during procedures performed under general anesthesia to reveal loose or broken teeth, infections, and tumors, so we can plan precise treatment and make sure nothing is missed.
Why Seattle Cat Owners Choose All About Cats Veterinary Hospital
Care designed around cats: Cats have unique dental conditions, like tooth resorption and stomatitis, that require specific experience to diagnose and treat. Feline care is what we do.
Complete diagnostics: Dental radiographs are included with every anesthetic cleaning, so nothing hiding below the gumline gets overlooked.
Clear communication: We explain what we find, why we recommend treatment, and what to expect, so you're never left guessing about your cat's care.
Support that continues at home: Our team offers practical tips and guidance to help you keep your cat's teeth healthy between visits.
Keep the Results Going With At-Home Dental Care
Brushing your cat's teeth at home is one of the best ways to prevent plaque and tartar buildup, lowering the risk of periodontal disease and bad breath. The earlier you start, the easier it becomes. Older cats may need a little more time and patience, but most adjust to brushing with consistency.
Not sure where to begin? Our team is happy to show you how to establish an effective oral hygiene routine that works for you and your cat.
FAQs About Feline Dental Surgery
Can dental disease come back after surgery?
Extracted teeth can't develop problems again, but the remaining teeth can still build up plaque and tartar. Regular wellness exams and at-home brushing help protect your cat's oral health long after surgery.
What signs should I watch for after dental surgery?
Contact us if your cat refuses to eat for more than a day, shows significant bleeding, has swelling of the face, seems unusually lethargic, or appears to be in pain despite medication.
How long is recovery after a tooth extraction?
Most cats begin feeling better within a few days, though the gums need more time to heal completely. Recovery varies based on the number of teeth removed and your cat's overall health.
Can cats live normally without some or all of their teeth?
Yes. Most cats adapt remarkably well after extractions, including full-mouth extractions. Many cats eat both wet and dry food comfortably once they've healed, and they're often more active and affectionate once the source of chronic pain is gone.
Book Your Feline Dental Surgery
Near Seattle, WA Today!
Your cat can't tell you their mouth hurts, but the signs are there. Don't let dental pain affect their appetite, mood, or overall health.
Call 425-636-8201 or book online to schedule your cat's dental surgery and take the first step toward a healthier, happier smile.
Ready For Your Appointment?
Don't Paws, Schedule Your Visit Now!
Looking for exclusive feline veterinary care? At All About Cats, we provide a safe, comfortable experience tailored just for your feline companion. We invite you to contact our practice to schedule your cat’s appointment today.