Should I extract my cat's infected tooth?

[Big_Jax]

I adopted my cat last year in March.  I noticed about a week later he had a broken K-9 tooth.  I brought him to one vet whose only suggestion was to extract the tooth, he did not even prescribe antibiotics for the obviously infected tooth.  I took him to another vet for a second opinion...this vet said that a K-9 tooth extraction is a last resort.  He recommended a deep cleaning for the infection.  Less than a year later, the infection is back.  Everything I have read, suggests extraction.  I took him back again today & once again the vet recommended another deep cleaning & if the tooth is not loose, not to extract it.  What should I do?

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

If there is a fracture to the tooth it should probably be capped or extracted, to prevent periodontal disease.  There are veterinary dentists that can perform caps, root canals, etc, but the cost is greater than extracting the tooth.

Cats do very well with tooth extractions.   If your vet has dental X-Ray equipment all the roots of your cats teeth can be examined, for the best prognosis.

Please also have your cat checked for Bartonella infection, since one of the symptoms of this disease is chronic gum infections.  It would also be a good idea to brush your cats teeth daily once the next dentistry is performed.