For the next several weeks, we're sharing exclusive Q&A sessions from The Definitive Veterinary Extraction Protocol, recorded live during the July 2026 course.ย
As a listener of The Vet Dental Show, you have a limited-time opportunity to purchase the complete course for $300 off before its official release.
Learn more and enroll here: https://ivdi.org/extract
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Host: Dr. Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, DAAPM
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In this episode, Dr. Brett Beckman answers practical questions about fractured root tip retrieval, bone removal, surgical extraction technique, patient positioning, and extraction site closure. He explains why adequate bone removal can make root retrieval safer and more predictable, and why trying to move a root with excessive force can create unnecessary riskโparticularly when extracting mandibular first molars in small dogs with significant periodontal bone loss.
What You'll Learn in This Episode
๐ฏ How to position patients in lateral or dorsal recumbency for veterinary dental procedures
๐ฏ Why patient size, body condition, surgical access, and head positioning can influence recumbency
๐ฏ When simple extraction sites shouldโand shouldn'tโbe sutured
๐ฏ Why incisor extraction sites can often be left open to heal
๐ฏ Which extraction sites are more likely to require closure because of food impaction
๐ฏ How additional vestibular bone removal can improve access to fractured root tips
๐ฏ Why adequate bone removal can reduce the need for excessive force during extraction
๐ฏ How mandibular anatomy changes the approach to root tip retrieval in small dogs
Key Veterinary Dentistry Takeaways
๐ Lateral and dorsal recumbency can both be appropriate for veterinary dental procedures; positioning should provide optimal access while allowing the head to be manipulated as needed.
๐ Dorsal recumbency may be preferable for heavier patients during longer procedures to avoid placing excessive weight on one side of the chest.
๐ Simple incisor extraction sites often do not require suturing unless the surrounding gingiva is significantly inflamed, mobile, or otherwise requires closure.
๐ Extraction sites in areas used for mastication may require closure to help prevent food and debris from becoming impacted in the alveolus.
๐ Surgical extractions should provide sufficient exposure of the root and surrounding bone to allow controlled extraction and root tip retrieval.
๐ When a root tip fractures, removing additional vestibular bone can create better visualization and access rather than relying on excessive force.
๐ Removing vestibular bone does not automatically compromise mandibular integrity; inadequate bone removal and excessive torque can increase extraction difficulty and risk.
๐ Small dogs with severe periodontal bone loss around the mandibular first molar can have an increased risk of mandibular fracture and may be better candidates for referral.
๐ Knowing when a case exceeds your comfort level is an important part of safe veterinary dental extraction planning.
Questions This Episode Answers
โ Should veterinary dental patients be positioned in lateral or dorsal recumbency?
โ When is dorsal recumbency preferable during veterinary dental procedures?
โ Do simple tooth extraction sites always need to be sutured?
โ Should incisor extraction sites be closed?
โ Which veterinary extraction sites are most important to suture?
โ Does every fractured root tip need to be removed?
โ How do you retrieve a fractured root tip during a surgical extraction?
โ How much vestibular bone can safely be removed during an extraction?
โ Does removing bone increase the risk of mandibular fracture?
โ Why are mandibular first molar extractions particularly challenging in small dogs?
โ When should a difficult veterinary dental extraction be referred to a specialist?
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Ready to take your dentistry skills further?
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https://ivdi.org/free
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https://veterinarydentistry.net/
๐ ๏ธ Dr. Brett's Trusted Equipment & Instruments
https://drbrettspets.com/
๐ป Save $300 on The Definitive Veterinary Extraction Protocol โ offer ends Sunday:
https://ivdi.org/extract
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