After we eat a meal, bacteria grow and multiply, forming a sticky film called plaque on the surface of our teeth. Plaque is relatively easily removed with frequent, thorough tooth brushing and flossing. Invariably, however, tiny amounts of plaque are left behind on the tooth surface. After a period of exposure to the calcium salts in our saliva, the now-dead plaque bacteria become mineralized into a hard, yellowish deposit known as tartar.
Approximately 90% of otherwise healthy adult dogs and cats that I examine each day have some degree of dental tartar. Even small amounts of this substance can provide a great substrate on which further bacteria can thrive. When these bacteria are allowed to remain in close contact with the gums, we see the development of gingivitis. Gingivitis simply refers to inflammation, swelling, infection, and pain in the gums. Inflamed gums are fragile and bleed easily.
Unfortunately, if blood is making its way out of the gums, bacteria are making their way in. Even the tiniest defect in the gums is a four-lane highway for bacteria to gain access to the bloodstream. Dental infections are therefore commonly linked to infections in other areas of the body; most noticeably the heart valves. When bacteria colonize in these delicate yet vitally important structures, we see the development of heart disease.
The entire process can be easily minimized or even prevented with thorough home dental care. Even with the most rigorous of homecare in our own mouths, we still need to have a seat in our dentist’s chair once or twice yearly so that the hygienist can scale the tartar off of our teeth and reveal clean white enamel below. The same is true for our dogs and cats.
There are dental diets and treats available that can sometimes delay the onset of dental disease in our pets. However, just as there is no chewable treat available for humans that would eliminate our need for dentist visits, there is no product available for dogs and cats that can remove the need for routine and thorough dental care.
Speak to your pet’s healthcare team for a demonstration of how to brush your pet’s teeth. The process may be simpler than you expect, and, if adhered to, a diligent dental homecare plan can potentially add years to your loved one’s life.
Your pet may already have a certain degree of dental disease, and may require a dental cleaning or even extractions. Dental procedures in animals very closely mimic dental procedures in people, with one major exception. While we humans are able to sit still with our mouths open for an hour or more while strangers operate very noisy vibrating tools in our mouths, pets are not. To minimize fear and distress to the animal, and to ensure that they are motionless for the procedure, a general anesthesia is always performed.
You will drop your pet off first thing in the morning, having fasted him for the previous 12 hours. Fasting minimizes the risk of regurgitation during the anesthesia. Your veterinary team will perform a thorough physical exam immediately prior to the procedure to ensure that he is strong and healthy. Pre-surgical bloodwork is an option that we encourage in all patients. This simple, non-invasive test takes about 20 minutes to complete. It gives a detailed breakdown of your pet's metabolic function and blood cell counts. This important information helps your veterinarian to determine the safest anesthetic protocol for your pet.
Taking into consideration your pet’s age, size, overall health, and even his breed, your veterinary team will calculate a customized combination of different analgesics and sedatives for him. Once the results of the bloodwork have been reviewed, a small injection of sedatives is painlessly administered. Within 15 minutes, your pet will be quite sleepy and stress-free. His nurse will then connect him to an IV so the second injection of anesthetic agents can be smoothly administered. An endotracheal tube is placed down his windpipe into his lungs and connected to a machine that accurately administers a carefully calculated flow of anesthetic gas and oxygen to keep him sleeping comfortably during the entire procedure. His heart and respiration rates, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, and blood pressure are monitored throughout the procedure to ensure he is stable. IV fluids help to ensure he wakes up quickly and easily once the procedure is complete.
Your veterinary dental hygienist will perform a thorough exam of your pet's entire mouth, including all 42 teeth, gums, pharynx, and tongue. Abnormalities are carefully documented and explained to you after the procedure. A dental instrument is used to probe for pockets of infection between the teeth and gums, and often dental xrays are performed to assess the health of the tooth roots.
An ultrasonic scaler is used to remove all traces of tartar from his teeth, and a high speed polisher is used with pumice-based polish to buff out any microscopic defects in the surface of the enamel. Your veterinarian will then carefully inject freezing agents into the gums and gently extract any teeth that are too badly damaged or infected to salvage. This freezing ensures that your pet is not in pain when he wakes up. Extraction sites are closed with very fine, absorbable suture material to ensure rapid healing.
Your pet will go home with antibiotics and pain medication if extractions were performed. Your veterinary healthcare team will also discuss prescription dental diets which can extend the time between required dental cleanings. In addition, you will be given “before and after” photographs of his teeth so you can easily appreciate the benefits of the dental procedure. At the end of the day, your pet will be sent home with sparkling clean teeth and fresh breath!
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