Recently, five-year-old Oscar came to see us after his owners noticed he seemed uncomfortable around his mouth. On examination, Vet Ella found that one of Oscar’s canine teeth had fractured. The gum around the tooth was swollen and scratched where it had been rubbing, making it clear that the damaged tooth was causing him discomfort.

As the fractured tooth needed to be removed, and there was a possibility that additional dental treatment might be required, Oscar was sent home with pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication to keep him comfortable. He was then booked in for dental surgery the following week.

A few days later, Oscar returned for his procedure and was welcomed by one of our veterinary nurses before settling into our dedicated cat ward. Once he was comfortable, Vet Adam carried out his dental surgery.

Before extracting the damaged tooth, dental X-rays were taken to assess the fractured canine and ensure there were no hidden problems beneath the gum line. Thankfully, everything looked as expected, allowing the team to safely proceed with removing the fractured canine. During the procedure, a couple of other teeth were also found to be loose and were extracted to prevent them from causing future discomfort.

To finish the treatment, Oscar received a full scale and polish, removing plaque and tartar build-up from his remaining teeth. This not only helps improve comfort but also reduces the risk of future dental disease.

Oscar recovered brilliantly from his anaesthetic and enjoyed plenty of fuss and cuddles from the team while he woke up. Three days later, he returned for a post-operative check with Vet Nurse Jess, who was delighted to see that his gum was healing beautifully. The swelling had completely resolved, and Oscar was already much happier and more comfortable.

Oscar’s story is a wonderful reminder of how important it is to spot the early signs of dental pain. Cats are particularly good at hiding discomfort, and because many spend time outdoors or are naturally independent, it can be easy to miss subtle changes. Regularly checking your cat over – including their eyes, ears and mouth – can help you notice problems early, allowing treatment before they become more serious or lead to infection.

We’re so pleased that, thanks to his caring and attentive owners, Oscar received treatment promptly and is now fully recovered. He’s back to his happy, playful self, sporting a lovely set of pearly white teeth… with just a few extra gaps!