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Dentistry

 

Dentistry

The dental area is our battleground in the fight against one of the most common diseases of cats and dogs, gum disease. By 3 years of age 70% of cats and 80% of dogs have developed gum disease. Gum disease exists when bacteria and tartar accumulate on the teeth and cause the gums and tissues supporting the teeth to become red and painful. Gum disease is painful and causes bad breath and eventually leads to the loosening of the teeth. The bacteria that cause gum disease can enter the bloodstream and lead to problems in the heart, kidneys and elsewhere. Caring for your pet's teeth at home and having professional cleanings keep the mouth healthy and give your pet a happier life.

A typical Dental Cleaning:

• Our dentistry patients typically are admitted by 8:00 am. Consent forms are completed and your pet is given a comfortable place to stay in our treatment room. Our technicians and assistants will get any pre-anesthesia lab work underway.
• Prior to anesthesia, the veterinarian will perform a physical examination. This exam is done to be certain your pet is healthy prior to having the dental procedure. Following the exam we may administer sedatives, pain relievers and other drugs that help your pet remain calm and comfortable before and after anesthesia.
• EKG's, pulse oximeters, breathing monitors and other equipment are used to assist our technicians in their monitoring of the anesthesia. Anesthetic safety is a priority for all patients. Patients are placed on a warm water blanket. We use either isoflurane or sevoflurane gas anesthesia for all dental procedures.
• Dental cleanings are performed by our skilled licensed technicians and any abnormalities are assessed by a veterinarian. The technicians use an ultrasonic dental scaling device to clean plaque and tartar from the exposed tooth surface as well as beneath the gum margins. The teeth are polished to slow the reoccurrence of tartar. A dental probe and pick are used to examine for any problem areas.
• It is not unusual to find problem areas once the teeth are cleaned and assessed. In the case of advanced periodontal disease or other problems it may be necessary for our veterinarians to remove a diseased tooth. Please be certain to leave adequate contact information on your anesthesia consent form if you would like for us to discuss our findings and recommendations.
• Following a dental cleaning, patients are closely monitored to ensure a smooth recovery. Pain evaluations and pain medications may be given if necessary.
• At discharge time, the veterinarian will meet with you to discuss the procedure and review instructions for care at home.

Pre-Dental Cleaning Checklist (for healthy pets):

• Ask us for an estimate for your pet's procedure if you have not already received one. Our estimates give you an idea of what procedures are to be done as well as their costs.

• You will need to fill out an anesthesia consent form. We recommend bloodwork, a catheter and IV fluids for all procedures. If you have questions about your choices please contact us.

• It is best to do any labwork a few days prior to the procedure.

• DO NOT FEED your pet after 10:00 p.m. the night before the procedure. Do not withhold water.

• Patients are admitted to the hospital either the night before their procedure or between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. the day of the dental.

• On the day of the dental, we will call you (usually after 2:00 p.m.) to update you on your pet's condition.

• Please leave one or more telephone numbers where you can be reached on the day of the procedure. If there is a problem during or after the dental, you will be contacted immediately.

• Most patients will be discharged after 4:30 pm on the day of their procedure.

Does my Rabbit/Guinea Pig/Hamster need to have a dental cleaning?

Rabbits and rodents have very different teeth. Their teeth are always growing! Because of this continuous growth, the teeth will probably never need to be cleaned, but the teeth must be checked periodically to ensure they are properly aligned. If the teeth are improperly aligned they will not wear down evenly. Unevenly worn teeth may be uncomfortable and can cause difficulty with eating and possible starvation. If the teeth are not wearing properly they will need to be trimmed or filed. We can check your pet's teeth with the next visit.

Caring for the teeth at home

• Look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) emblem on dental care products.
• Feed a diet of predominately or exclusively dry food to slow the development of plaque and tartar. We recommend Hill's Prescription Diet T/D for many patients.
• Brush your pet's teeth daily using a VOHC approved toothpaste. Learn how at the Pet Dental website.
• Don't let your dog chew on bones or toys any harder than you car's tires. (Encouraging your dog to chew on the car tires is not recommended.)