Awesome Resources For Pet Owners

We've included all of the information you'll need to prepare your pet for its procedure. 

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Dental Issues Are Common and Have Hidden Pain

Research shows, eighty-seven percent of dogs by age three have jaw bone loss due to periodontal disease. Other studies show 69-100% of cats by age 10 have a painful condition called tooth resorption.

It's surprising to learn that most pets don't stop eating despite experiencing dental pain. This type of pain is often referred to as "functional pain," similar to a person with a toothache who still goes to work. Although pets may be tolerating the pain, it doesn't mean that it should be left untreated. It's important to address dental issues early on, as they can cause hidden pain and discomfort that goes unnoticed.

Teeth are like icebergs, with hidden issues lurking beneath the surface. While periodontal disease is the most common dental ailment, broken teeth can also cause significant pain and discomfort. Beware of feeding bones as they are a leading cause of broken teeth and not appropriate chewing toys. It's crucial to take proactive steps to address dental issues, as they can cause hidden pain and discomfort that may go unnoticed. Only intraoral x-rays can reveal the full extent of dental disease, so be sure to schedule regular checkups for your pet. 

Board Certified Veterinary Anesthesiologist

The team with Animal Dentistry Referral Services pays close attention to your pet during anesthesia. While the risk during anesthesia is generally very low (0.05-0.11%), some patients would do best to have a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist involved in their pet's care. This service is available upon request and scheduled in advance which can help in providing some additional care with specific cases and procedures. Please let us know if you are interested in this additional opportunity.

Oral Consultations

Consultations are either scheduled in person during office hours or via Zoom on evenings and weekends. These consultations provide the opportunity to gain deeper insight into potential outcomes and view real-life examples of successful cases. 

After the Procedure

After the completion of any procedure, our team ensures that all relevant information is shared with the referring veterinary clinic to ensure complete patient medical record continuity. This includes 3D images, photos of treatments, detailed charts, and comprehensive reports. Our commitment to thorough communication ensures that your pet's dental health is always a top priority.

 
 

Steps to a Dental Procedure

 

Additional Treatments

8 Reasons To Say No To Non-Anesthetic Dentistry

They are Worse

A 2018 study showed dogs receiving hand scaling without anesthesia had much worse mouths and hidden pain than those with no dental care.

X-RAYS OF THE TOOTH ROOT

Dental X-rays must have anesthesia to view almost 2/3 of each tooth that is below the gum line. Studies show only 14-28% of pets have no x-ray changes.

A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY

A dental cleaning above the gumline without anesthesia easily reveals no problems when actually there is a hidden disease providing a false sense of security.

INFECTION PERSISTS

Plaque-containing bacteria and bone loss begin within the gingival sulcus (the space between the gum and the tooth). This is an area that cannot be treated adequately without anesthesia.

PAIN PERSISTS

Though there are usually no outward symptoms of dental pain, pets have the same receptors as people. Pets should not have to cope with pain, yet do not know they could get relief by showing that pain to their owners.

SYSTEMIC INFLAMMATION

There is a strong link between chronic oral disease and systemic inflammation. With chronic disease, there is an increased susceptibility to more diseases. Pets with annual dental care have been shown to have a 20% increased lifespan over pets with less/without.

COSMETIC AT BEST

The crowns of the teeth look better and whiter but bacteria and problems persist in the sulcus or deeper.

BELOW THE STANDARD OF CARE

The American Veterinary Medical Association's position statement and many more organizations state: Anesthesia with all dental procedures is the standard of care.

Dental Home Care

Preventative dental care for pets is key to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. While there are many effective methods to delay the buildup of plaque, once tartar has formed, it cannot be removed without professional intervention. Starting with a clean slate is essential for any therapy to work effectively. Sadly, most pets are not trained to accept proper home care, making dental disease preventable but unfortunately all too common.

Remember:

  • The best home care is what you are able to DO.

  • Active home care is better than passive, brushing your pet's teeth every other day is 3-4 times better than any other home care treatment. Brushing can be simplified with wipes. 

  • Use only VOHC or CET products as most others are just marketing.

  • Plaque forms tartar in 48 hrs, so home care needs to be done daily or every other day to be effective. Pets with less frequent home care showed results equal to pets receiving no home care.

  • There is a known link between a lack of oral health and systemic inflammatory processes, thus pets with good oral care have healthier lives with less or better-controlled diseases.

Brushing can be easier than you think. About a minute a day is all it takes! Watch the video to see how it can be fun.

 

 
 

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