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Dentistry |
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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. 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. 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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