Pet Dental Care

Dental disease is a series of changes that are associated with the inflammation and loss of the deep supporting structures of teeth.

Food particles and bacteria collect along the gum line forming plaque. If plaque is not removed, minerals in the saliva combine with the plaque and form tartar (or calculus) which adheres strongly to the teeth. Plaque starts to mineralize 3-5 days after it forms. The tartar is irritating to the gums and causes an inflammation called gingivitis. This can be seen as reddening of the gums adjacent to the teeth. It also causes bad breath. Dental care is essential to helping your pet live a longer and healthier life.

As periodontal disease progresses, you may observe the following signs:

Purulent exudation (pus) around the tooth Gums that bleed easily Pawing at the mouth Red, swollen, or receding gums Stomach or intestinal upsets Irritability or depression

Persistent bad breath Sensitivity around the mouth Loose or missing teeth Loss of appetite Drooling, difficulty chewing or eating

Treatment depends upon the severity (Grade) of the problem. In all cases, a pre-surgical physical exam and pre-anesthetic blood testing should be conducted. These exams and testing are done to assess the health of your pet and point out any potential problems. Your pet will be anesthetized and monitored during the procedure to assess the oral health and assign a grade. Grading includes the amount and distribution of plaque and calculus, health of the gingiva (gums), radiographic appearance, and the depth of pockets formed between the tooth and the gum. The pocket depth is measured using a calibrated probe. In pets, the normal pocket depth is 2-3 mm. After assessing these parameters, the severity of disease can be determined and a prognosis made.

 

Grade I or Grade II: A routine professional prophylaxis will be performed on pets with Grade I or II disease. The plaque and tartar build-up will be removed from the teeth, both above and below the gum line, with an ultrasonic scaler. The teeth are then polished to remove microscopic scratches that predispose to plaque formation and calculus build-up. Each tooth and the entire oral cavity are checked for any disease. Fluoride may be applied.

Grade III and Grade IV: After the teeth are scaled, as described above, probing and dental radiology will be performed in order to select the appropriate treatment. Treatment options are root planing and subgingival curettage, periodontal debridement, gingivectomy, periodontal surgery, special therapeutics, and tooth extraction.