Repost - Dental Health

posted: by: Dr. Jarden Tags: "Clinic Specials" "News" 

In February we will be offering $15 off dental cleanings. Dental disease is painful and can cause pets to lose their teeth and need extractions.  Here are two examples of dental cleanings. The first one has mild to moderate dental disease and the second has severe dental disease. Warning, the second case is quite graphic.

In both cases the dog is under anesthesia. You will see an orange endotracheal tube which protects the airway from fluid and debris getting into it, as well as delivers oxygen and anesthetic gases to the lungs during the procedure.

First here’re some pictures of a dog with mild to moderate dental disease. Note the tartar around the teeth prior to the dental cleaning.

After the dental cleaning, the teeth look great and no extractions were needed because the owner brought the dog in for a cleaning early in the disease process.

Here’re a few pictures to show you what severe dental disease will do to teeth (graphic):

Prior to dental cleaning, you can see the caked on tartar and plaque. Due to the amount of plaque we cannot fully see the gum line.

 

The next picture shows the teeth after the veterinary technician removed some of the plaque.  Now we can see the true extent of the dental disease. The gums are so inflamed that they have receded and multiple roots are exposed. The back root of the 4th upper premolar (the large tooth at at the back of the mouth) even has pitting in it.


Multiple teeth had to be extracted, but now the mouth will be much more comfortable without the painful gingivitis. The remaining teeth have been cleaned, a fluoride treatment has been applied and a dental sealant has been placed on the teeth. Healing time from the extractions takes about 10-14 days and after that time this dog will be able to eat hard kibble again.

Post-Dental Picture

We like to save our pet's teeth if possible and not perform extractions. One way we can do that is by performing dental cleanings early in the disease process. This helps the teeth and gums stay healthier and save you money by not having to pay for extractions and oral surgery. If you have any concerns about your animal's oral health we're happy to examine them. Call for a dental evaluation today!