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Many people do not realize that dogs, cats, ferrets, and rabbits have teeth similar to humans', injure them in similar ways, and are able to tolerate similar care.
Veterinary dental patients are fortunate because much of the equipment and materials used in human dentistry were first developed to work on animal dental conditions. Most pet owners do not realize that modern human dental care is readily available for animals to help save teeth and prevent painful gum problems.
A veterinary dental practice is equipped with:
- A specialized anesthesia delivery system and monitoring devices - Dental procedures require general anesthesia for teeth cleaning, root canal therapy, gum surgery, extractions, and the instillation of medication to decrease bone loss to help save teeth. Isoflurane is currently the safest general anesthesia in veterinary practice. Patient selection for anesthesia is important and is helped by instrumentation to evaluate organ function before anesthesia is given. Monitoring the depth of anesthesia is also critical to successful anesthesia. Each patient responds differently to general anesthesia. The veterinarian needs to know the cardiac and respiratory status at all times in order to adjust anesthesia concentration. The veterinary dental practice has blood pressure, pulse oximetry, and end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring devices.
- A dental X-ray machine - By the time most small animals are brought in for dental care, some form of disease is present, such as bad breath from periodontal disease, broken teeth, or painful cavities. The dental X-ray machine lets the veterinary dentist see what is going on below the gum line where 60 percent of the tooth resides. What looks normal on the outside often is diseased on the inside and below the gum line.
- Dental equipment-Veterinarians use the identical drills, burs, and illuminated magnification lenses as human dentists to perform dental procedures. Those veterinarians who have the equipment are able to save teeth through root canal therapy (where teeth are fractured and the nerve is exposed) and crown restoration (where the tooth is fractured and the crown is shorter than the opposing tooth).
- Cavity restoration - Some breeds are prone to similar cavities that humans get. Light curing units are used to apply the same bonding materials used in human dentistry to restore the tooth to normal appearance and function.
- Periodontal procedures - The most common condition affecting dogs and cats is periodontal disease. Small animals do not brush their teeth. Plaque accumulates at and below the gum line. By-products from plaque cause periodontal disease, bone loss, loose teeth and pain. Veterinary dentists can use a perioceutic antibiotic gel applied to a gum pocket to decrease severity of disease, work with bone implant material, and employ the same surgical procedures as human periodontists.
- Home care materials - As in human dentistry, a major part of dental care is provided at home by the pet owner. Industry now provides us with specialized tooth brushes, chlorhexidine, and fluoride pastes that are safe for small animals.
Take a moment to examine your pet's teeth and gums. If there is a disagreeable odor; loose, broken teeth; or if something just doesn't look right, a trip to the veterinarian is in order. When choosing a veterinarian to provide dental care, ask questions on training, equipment, and materials available. Your pet deserves the best and will thank you for it!
-Jan Bellows, D.V.M. is one of forty-nine board certified veterinary dentists in the country. His practice, All Pets Dental Clinic, is located at 9111 Taft Street, Pembroke Pines, Florida. Dr. Bellows can be reached at (954) 432-1111 or contacted via e-mail at dentalvet@aol.com. For more dental information, visit www.dentalvet.com
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