Cat's upper canines never emerged, should they be extracted if they exist and are impacted?

My cat is 2-1/2 years old.   Her upper canines never came in.   The first vet I took her to after I got her from the shelter as a kitten did not seem to be concerned.   I switched vets last year when she was a year old.   When she was there for her annual checkup, I asked if the missing canines were due to the fact that she and her siblings were horribly malnourished when they came into foster care.   The vet said it was more likely due to a genetic cause.   However, they both could be impacted, but that could only be determined by x-rays and the vet did not express any further concern.   When she went for her checkup this year, tartar buildup was noted, so I need to get her teeth cleaned next week.   The vet has suggested several levels of care along with this cleaning which is have her x-rayed to determine if the canines exist and, if so, have them removed to avoid future problems/infections.  

During last year’s exam, there was no push or recommendation on x-rays and removal of teeth, if there are any.   I feel that vets sometimes want to play on our sympathies and love for our pets to push procedures that are not really necessary.   Cleaning is already expensive, then you add on the x-rays and suggested teeth removal, if appropriate.   We love our cat and would certainly do what is necessary to prevent any future health issues, but is it necessary to remove impacted teeth (if they exist)?   No doubt having x-rays would at least answer the question if the teeth really are there.   If teeth are impacted, how often do they ever become infected?   I would appreciate feedback from anyone who has had the same or similar situation.

Perhaps @Quiet has an opinion?

Should see a veterinary dentist specialist. Get radiograph done and go from there. If there are really impacted canines which I doubt you dont ws nt anyone but a specialist doing it as the can cause a whole mess of problems if done wrong.


Are your cats gums inflamed?. Does she or he have bad breath? You mentioned target build up how bad id it?
It is standard care to do dental films begore a dental. Think about when you go to the dentist.

Her gums are not inflamed, but are beginning to show some reddish edges, nothing extensive.  She has mild tarter buildup on her teeth.  Her breath is not bad.  The vet mentioned last year seeing the plaque film on her teeth and suggested not giving her the hard cat food until after she eats the wet first.  That doesn't work so well as she does not eat food all in one sitting, but grazes.  Plus, back in the winter months, she started refusing to eat her dry food which is what she always got for her evening meal.  Anyway, from what I have read and notice with her, dry food would not be helpful in keeping teeth clean because cats tend to swallow it whole and crunch very little of it.

I tend to agree with at least getting the x-rays done while the teeth are being cleaned to see what the situation is.  With both canines missing, I tend to believe it is a genetic defect vice both teeth being impacted. I was not aware there were veterinary dental specialists, I will look into that if necessary.  Thanks.

http://www.dentalvet.com/Encyclopedia/P00352_SC01108.htm

The above link might be able to give you some information.

Well, received great news from the vet today after our kitty had her teeth cleaned and they did the x-rays.  There are no upper canines or really indication that they ever existed.  The vet said he had really never encountered or heard of this situation and wondered if they may have fallen out.  However, since we have had her since she was a kitten, we never saw them come in as the baby teeth fell out, so that scenario did not happen.