Help please cat diagnosed with gingivitis/stomatitis

He there I am new to this forum and worried sick about my cat.  Yesterday she was diagnosed with gingivitis by the vet and i assume its more stomatitis as the vet recommended a steroid long acting injection and in the longterm full mouth extraction as she said nothing else will really be effective ongoing.  I am surprised at the speed of this as my cat was fine 24 hrs previously.  She started licking her lips a lot and swalloeing with the odd dry wretch .  I wondered if she had a hairball and took her to the vet.  She was seen for suspected dental issue in december where some gum inflammation was seen and antibiotics given.  She was good as new in a day or two.  Now the inflmmation is extending towards the back of her mouth and gums on the back teeth.  Cant see any inflammation in the front and it doesnt look bright red just pink.  She is clearly uncomfy and I would say no better after the injection.  Does anyone know how long the injection will take to be fully effective?  Should I go back to my vet or wait another day or so.  She is ok, just a bit lethargic.  Eating a little not loads and just generally a bit off.  I am aware she is no doubt in a lot of pain and am worried sick about not being able to help her.  If anyone has any experience of this horrid condition I would be glad to hear from you.  Feeling really helpless and not sure what to do next.  My vet siad the shot would make her like a new cat for a few weeks at least.

It should have taken some effect by now.  I am sure she is very uncomfortable.  How old is she?

Hi thanks for replying.  She is 9 yrs old.  She isnt doing the gagging now but still lots of licking on and off.  Still a bit interested in food and strokes but not herself if that makes sense.  The vet seemed sure this shot would transform her, at least in the short term.  I think she said 24 to 48 hrs and maybe less for it to take full effect.  Im not sure as I was going into panic mode at the thought of FME. 

Poor baby.  Well you should relax a little bit.  She isn't herself because I am sure it hurts a bit plus when we are nervous they can sense it. FME sounds scary and sad to think about our babies like that but  she will be so much happier.  There will be no more pain.  She will be able to eat and do everything that she normally does.  My eldest.. doesn't have any teeth .. just from old age and she eats just fine    

Before you make the decision for the FME just make sure you have gone the usual treatment process and the gum diseases hasn't responded to any.  Like deep cleaning.. and so on..

Oh ok, I will speak to the vet about that.  I guess i am worried about anaesthetics and assumed just get it over with in on go so she can put it behind her.  Im worried as if the injection hasnt worked does that mean she is very severe and may not respond well to FME?  It is all very scary.  I hope I make the right choice for her. It all just seems to have happened very suddenly and I have taken her routinely for her dentals. Guess she is just unlucky. Thanks for your support.x

If the vet said 24-48 maybe it will just take a little more time.  I think most cats respond really well to FME tho.  She may have had it for awhile... cats hide their pain really well.  We never really notice anything is wrong until they can't hide it anymore.  Boil her chicken breast and break it to small pieces and give it to her while it is still warm as a little treat.  ( sometimes I back chicken just for my cats Ha! )  Watch her and if by Sunday there is no improvement at all.. i would make an appt or at least call her vet and see what else can be done for her comfort..    you are welcome!