Can retained deciduous teeth resolve on their own?

In rare cases, baby teeth may fall out naturally, but if they are blocking permanent teeth or causing periodontal problems, veterinary assessment and extraction are usually recommended. Ask your vet to arrange an examination.

Is anaesthesia required to extract retained deciduous teeth?

Most deciduous tooth extractions are performed under sedation or general anaesthesia to ensure safety and adequate pain control. Pre-anaesthetic blood tests are carried out to assess risk, and the procedure follows your vet's guidance.

How should I care for my pet after tooth extraction?

After surgery, pain relief and infection prevention are typically provided. Feed soft food and avoid hard toys for several days, then attend follow-up appointments for monitoring and suture removal if applicable.

How much do the tests and treatment usually cost?

Costs vary by clinic and region — ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.

Disease Guide

Retained Deciduous Teeth in Dogs & Cats: Double Teeth, Symptoms & Dental Care [2025]

Retained baby teeth can affect permanent tooth eruption and bite alignment — extraction is often recommended alongside desexing surgery to prevent future dental problems.

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2026/01/05

Pethealthmap Editorial Team

Sources: AAHA, WSAVA, National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital

When to See a Vet

Immediate Veterinary Care Needed (Emergency)

•Persistent heavy oral bleeding that cannot be stopped
•Complete refusal to eat and inability to drink even water
•Severe gum swelling accompanied by extreme lethargy

Schedule a Veterinary Visit Soon (Within 24-72 Hours)

•Obvious pain while eating or difficulty chewing with reduced food intake
•Clearly visible retained baby teeth and permanent teeth present at the same time
•Persistent bad breath, drooling, or a small amount of pus-like discharge

01What symptoms indicate a problem?

Retained deciduous teeth cause oral discomfort, affect eating and general well-being, and increase the risk of periodontal disease.

Pain, reluctance, or refusal to eat when chewing hard food
Increased drooling, bad breath, or obvious oral discomfort
Red, swollen or bleeding gums, or purulent discharge
Visible presence of baby teeth alongside permanent teeth (double teeth)
Reduced alertness, activity level, and appetite

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ Seek emergency care immediately for persistent heavy oral bleeding
⚠️ Rush to the vet if your pet completely stops eating or cannot drink
⚠️ Severely swollen gums accompanied by high fever or extreme lethargy

02How to assess the problem at home? Key observations and criteria for emergency care

Observing and recording oral, eating, and behavioural changes at home helps your vet assess the situation more quickly and arrange appropriate tests.

Note any difficulty chewing, food selectivity, or refusal to eat
Take photos or a short video of the mouth from multiple angles (top, bottom, left, right)
Track changes in appetite, water intake, and body weight over time
Watch for persistent drooling, bad breath, or bloody or purulent discharge
If symptoms worsen suddenly, contact your vet promptly to arrange an assessment

03How will the vet diagnose this? Common diagnostic tests

Your vet will use oral examination and imaging to confirm deciduous tooth position, permanent tooth development, and whether infection or other complications are present.

Oral physical examination

detailed assessment of deciduous teeth, permanent teeth, and gum condition

Dental X-rays

evaluating deciduous tooth roots, direction and position of permanent tooth eruption

CT imaging where needed to assess complex root or bone anatomy

Blood and biochemistry tests

pre-surgical evaluation of overall health and anaesthesia risk

If infection is suspected, sampling for culture or local treatment may be arranged

04What treatment and aftercare is needed? Medication, diet, and care guide

The most common treatment is extraction of deciduous teeth obstructing permanent tooth eruption, followed by pain management, infection control, and monitoring of dental alignment and oral health.

If permanent tooth eruption is impeded, surgical extraction of the retained deciduous tooth is recommended
Post-operative pain relief and infection control are provided, with follow-up appointments scheduled
Feed soft or lukewarm food for several days after surgery to minimise irritation
Regular check-ups to monitor permanent tooth alignment and periodontal health
Establish a long-term oral hygiene routine, such as daily tooth brushing or regular professional dental cleaning

05What should you prepare before the vet visit? Key information to help your vet assess quickly

Note when you first noticed the problem and how symptoms have progressed

Bring oral photos or short videos to the clinic or upload them in advance for the vet's reference

List current medications, vaccination history, and any known allergies

Bring any previous dental X-rays or examination records if available

When booking, mention that a dental assessment is needed and look for a clinic with dental equipment

This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.