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My cat lost a tooth, no pain. Do I need a vet exam before cleaning?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Ragdoll | Male | neutered | 6 years and 9 months old | 13 lbs

I just noticed that my cat lost a tooth, he never changed eating habits and has been his same old self. He’s let me look and feel the area and isn’t in pain, the area is normal in color and not swollen. Should I still take him in for an exam before I take him in for his cleaning?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 12th, 2018

There is no need to take him in to your veterinarian at this time if the area where he lost the tooth is not hurting. Since you obviously have scheduled a dental cleaning for Milo, your vet can inspect the area during the dental cleaning while he is under sedation. The vet will also do dental radiographs to check for retained roots and neck lesions. These will need to be removed.
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