Closed Extraction of Deciduous Canine Teeth Required Less Surgical Time Without Increased Complication Rate Compared to an Open Technique in Dogs and Cats

The study was performed to compare surgical time and potential complications for closed versus open extraction technique of deciduous canine teeth in dogs and cats. The authors hypothesize that closed extractions can be accomplished with less time and surgical trauma without increasing the incidence of postoperative complications than open extractions of deciduous canine teeth. A search of electronic medical records identified 305 deciduous canine tooth extractions from June 1, 2019, to December 31, 2022, at a multi-location veterinary dental referral practice. Comparison groups included 237 closed and 68 open extractions. Records verified the extracted tooth, reason for extraction, type (closed or open), recheck, and complication history. Time was recorded for 61 closed and seven open procedures. Data were analyzed for significant correlations. Twenty teeth (6.6%) were extracted due to fracture exposing the pulp, 178 (58.4%) for persistent deciduous teeth, 71 (23.3%) for interceptive orthodontics to treat malocclusion, and 36 (11.8%) for retained tooth roots. Mean extraction times were 74.66 s (95% CI: 71.06-78.06) for closed and 349.9 s (95% CI: 148.8-551) for open. Rechecks were performed on 43/116 (37.07%) closed and 19/47 (40.43%) open extraction patients. No extraction site dehiscence was noted. Enamel hypoplasia was noted in 3/30 (10%) closed extractions. Closed procedures were completed in less than half the time compared to open extractions. Closed extraction eliminates the possibility of flap dehiscence and iatrogenic enamel hypoplasia incidence was lower than recently reported for open extraction of deciduous canine teeth. Results demonstrated that closed extractions of deciduous canine teeth can be efficiently and effectively performed, with multiple benefits to patients, pet owners, and practitioners compared with results of open extraction procedures.