Why does my cat need oral surgery?
There are many reasons why your cat might need oral surgery. For example, they may need oral surgery to remove growths, repair oral defects, repair jaw fractures, or remove diseased teeth.
Stomatitis is a condition that may require surgery. It causes acute sensitivity to plaque that accumulates on their teeth, and the cat's gums become red, swollen, and painful. In cases that have been going on for a while and those that are not responsive to daily brushing, oral surgery to extract the teeth may result in a significant improvement. Approximately 60% of stomatitis cases will be considered cured with extraction. In 80% of cases, medication after extraction may result in a cure. Specific medical protocol varies, and you should seek the advice of a board-certified veterinary dentist to help with these complex cases.
Oral tumors also require surgery. Some oral tumors have no known cause. If oral tumors are detected early, surgical removal may be an option and result in a cure. Depending on the tumor type, size, and location, referral to a veterinary oncologist (cancer specialist) may be recommended. For more information on oral tumors, see specific handouts.
Fig. 1: Cat's mouth showing an oral mass under the tongue. 
Fig. 2: Cat's mouth after surgery, with oral mass removed.
Does the surgery need to be done by an oral surgeon?
Board-certified veterinary dentists (avdc.org) and veterinary surgeons (acvs.org) are trained in oral surgical procedures. Your veterinarian will let you know if your cat needs a referral to a board-certified dentist, surgeon, or oncologist, or if the required surgery can be done by a general practitioner.
Is oral surgery safe for my cat?
Anesthesia is necessary for oral surgery and carries some level of risk. To minimize this risk before anesthesia is delivered, blood tests are performed to help select the safest protocol for your cat. Your cat will be closely monitored during and after the procedure.
Will my cat be in pain?
Both local and general anesthesia will be used to decrease discomfort and control pain. The same narcotic medications used in people may be used in your cat. Anti-inflammatory medication may also be administered to decrease swelling and inflammation after surgery in many cats.
How will my cat eat after surgery?
As a result of balanced anesthesia tailored specifically to each patient, most cats do extremely well under general anesthesia and recover with minimal discomfort in the post-operative period. In fact, most cats will eat the day of surgery, before they are discharged, or will do so soon after returning home. Feeding soft food is recommended until healing is complete. Avoid chew toys and hard treats. Recheck visits will be required to ensure healing is progressing as it should.
