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Dentistry |
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Dentistry in veterinary medicine has changed dramatically over recent years with more and more veterinary clinics installing dental x-ray machines in their practices and taking courses in veterinary dentistry. Dental disease in pets is the number one disease seen on physical exams. The effects of dental disease on the overall health of the pet is considerable and often only realized by the owner once the teeth have been cleaned or dental pathology diagnosed and treated appropriately. Dentistry and Dr Banyard As many of our clients know Dr Banyard is studying veterinary dentistry. This year she has self published a small book to help the public understand this very complex field. How does periodontal disease develop? What can be done for a fractured tooth? Why is there a tooth missing? Why is there such a variation in the prices owners are given for dental work to be done in their pets? This book covers many of these questions and more. You can buy a book at Little Mountain Veterinary Clinic, Chilliwack. It is also in the Chilliwack Library. B.C. Veterinarians can order a copy to put in their reception rooms for their clients to read through AVP (Associated Veterinary Purchasing) in British Columbia. The book is called "What's in my Mouth".
The front page image is what is seen when the veterinarian is doing an oral exam. All owners who brush their pet's teeth are familiar with this image. The image is of a 20 pound patient. It is common for dogs to have pigmented (black) gums and lining of the mouth. Awake Dental Prophies (cleanings) - Don't do these! A common misconception held by the public is that pets can have their teeth cleaned while awake as done in people. Unfortunately our patients would not allow us to clean each and every tooth 360 degrees around the tooth above and below the gumline. This is what is needed in order to remove all plaque and tartar. An anesthetic is imperative to enable us to do an effective teeth clean. We should also be able to radiograph the teeth to see what is going on in the bone. Many conditions are missed by not having radiographs taken of the teeth. It is a grave disservice to a pet to avoid anesthetic when doing a teeth clean. This procedure is offered by many different outlets in the mistaken belief that there is a benefit to the pet, that it is safer to the pet and cheaper for the owner. What actually happens is that all the plaque and tartar is not removed from below the gum line. This material is full of destructive bacteria which have even more time to destroy the bone and teeth. The infection has time to go even deeper into the periodontal ligament and do more damage. By the time a veterinarian sees these patients all they can do is extract the teeth to relieve the pain and discomfort to the pet. A dental prophy (cleaning) - The new terms used now are Comprehensive Oral Assessment and Treatment (COHAT) and Oral ATP Why Dental X-rays are necessary?
46793 Yale Road East Chilliwack,
BC Canada V2P 2S5 Fax: 604-792-5822
Copyright ©2002 Little Mountain Veterinary Clinic Ltd. Last updated 4/1/2007
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