Extraction of the mandibular canine tooth in dogs

This article follows on from the previous general article on tooth extraction techniques (Oxford, 2018a), as a specific guide to the extraction of the mandibular canine in dogs. Extraction of the maxillary canine has also been described in detail (Oxford, 2018b). The mandibular canine is a large tooth that is difficult to extract and often leaves a sizeable defect when extracted. Extraction is made more challenging by the shape of the canine tooth, which angles towards the midline, and because the mandible is a very hard bone that does not compress easily. An open extraction is therefore usually the most appropriate technique, as this will allow a more controlled loosening of the tooth. It will also allow suitable closure of the extraction site following extraction.

The tooth has a long root, and extensive alveolectomy is often required to facilitate the extraction. A pedicle flap is therefore usually the most appropriate flap to use. Releasing incisions should be made over areas where the bone will still be intact following extraction. A mesial (rostral) releasing incision should be made on the distal (caudal) aspect of the ipsilateral mandibular 3rd incisor. The incision should be extended beyond the mucogingival junction. The incision should then extend around the gingival sulcus and should then cross the alveolar crest across the diastema between the canine tooth and the 1st premolar. The distal (caudal) releasing incision should be made either just mesial (rostral) to the ipsilateral mandibular 1st premolar or in the interproximal space between the 1st and 2nd premolars (Figure 1). The decision here will depend on how closely positioned the mandibular premolars are, but it is important to ensure adequate exposure. The distal releasing incision should then extend obliquely on the caudal edge of the labial frenulum, so that the frenulum is contained within the flap.