Dental Disease: Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease can result in significant pain for the pet and unfortunately, if your pet does not see his/her veterinarian on a regular basis, will go unrecognized until the disease is very advanced. Also, all the thick yellow tartar is full of bacteria (disease causing organisms) that could potentially result in systemic disease. Many veterinarians are concerned that severe periodontal disease can result in infection of the heart valves and lead to heart disease. Older pets and pets with existing heart disease are routinely placed on antibiotics just prior to a dental cleaning to help protect them from the bacteria that may enter their blood stream. Most pets with periodontal disease will have halitosis (oral odor) that is caused by the bacteria in the oral cavity. Other problems with periodontal disease include abscessed teeth that may be seen as facial swelling, tooth loss and exposed tooth roots. Again, periodontal disease can be very uncomfortable for our pets and should be prevented or at least treated when recognized.
Professional Dental Cleaning or Prophy
Once periodontal disease has developed the teeth cannot be adequately cleaned at home and the pet will require a complete dental cleaning under general anesthesia. Essentially, the pet will be placed under general anesthesia to allow easy access to all tooth surfaces and than a cleaning and examination procedure similar to what we would have done at our dentist will be completed. The teeth are cleaned of all tartar on the tooth surface and under the gum line and thoroughly polished. Next, all the teeth are examined and probed for potential dental disease and the gums are examined for disease such as tumors. If diseased teeth are suspected, x-rays are taken to confirm the disease and the owner is consulted on the appropriate course of action for their pet. The treatment can involve many different options including extraction, root canals, crowns and many more. If needed, the pet can be referred to a veterinary dentist for more specialized care. Prior to completion of the dental procedure fluoride is applied to all the teeth and the pet is allow to awaken.Tooth Cleaning or Prophy
Prior to Cleaning & Following Professional Dental Cleaning
 
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