Dentistry is dedicated to the maintenance of sound oral health and treatment for diseases of the animal's mouth, teeth and jaw. Grandview Animal Hospital offers full dental care including cleanings, periodontitis treatments, and extractions.

With the use of diagnostic tests, such as radiographs, the 70% of the tooth that cannot be seen by the naked eye can be evaluated. Oral tumors, jaw fractures, root abscesses and root fractures may be corrected to restore normal function.

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is inflammation of the tissue around the teeth. It affects about 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over 3 years of age!

Signs of periodontal disease include bad breath, red or swollen gums, a yellow-brown crust near the gum line, loose or missing teeth, discomfort when the mouth or gums are touched and possible decreased appetite or weight loss due to difficulty chewing. The inflammation associated with oral disease may damage the heart, liver, kidneys and lead to other serious ailments.

The problem begins when plaque and tarter are allowed to build-up on your pet's teeth. Tarter is like a sponge. All of the microscopic holes are quickly filled with bacteria which thrive in the "dirty" environment of your pet's mouth. Over time this process results in bad breath and gingival (gum) infections. These bacteria don't just stay in the mouth. Continual infection present in the mouth can result in illness affecting the entire body, not just dental disease.

Oral disease is classified by the severity of the condition into stage 1 through stage 4.

• Stage 1 is known as Gingivitis. Gum tissue around the teeth can become inflamed and swollen. Plaque, tartar and calculus (bacteria combined with food) are usually present on the teeth. This is a reversible stage of oral disease.
• Stage 2 is Mild Periodontitis and refers to inflammation which has progressed to an infection that starts to destroy gum and bone tissue around the teeth. Bad breath (halitosis) is often noticeable and your pet may be experiencing some discomfort. This is sometimes an irreversible stage of oral disease.
• Stage 3 is Moderate Periodontitis where infection has destroyed more tissue around the teeth, often causing bleeding of the gums and loosening of teeth. Halitosis may be strong and discomfort and pain can affect eating habits and behavior. This is often irreversible.
• Stage 4 is Severe Periodontitis and involves extensive infection tearing down even more of the attachment tissues (gum and bone). Blood and pus are usually evident and the affected teeth must be extracted.

Veterinary dentistry requires general anesthesia, similar to "sleep dentistry" in people who are uneasy with dental procedures. Anesthesia is maintained with isoflurane gas and oxygen through a breathing tube which is placed into the trachea (windpipe). Before anesthetizing your pet, we will perform a physical exam and routine labwork to ensure they are a candidate for the procedure.

At Grandview Animal Hospital, our dental cleaning includes 6 steps:

1. Initial examination of the mouth, teeth and gums to note extent of dental disease. A probe is used to measure gum recession.
2. An ultrasonic scaler is used to remove plaque and tarter from each surface of each individual tooth, including beneath the gum line.
3. The exterior of each individual tooth is polished to remove stains and smooth the surface.
4. The mouth is flushed with antiseptic solution.
5. Another examination of the mouth is performed to ensure each tooth has been thoroughly cleaned.
6. Finally, a fluoride treatment is applied. Fluoride has been shown to strengthen enamel.

Extractions are performed when a tooth is permanently damaged or severely decayed. The ligaments which hold the teeth firmly in the mouth are softened and destroyed by chronic exposure to infection. When a tooth is pulled the socket is flushed and sutured (stitched) to speed healing and reduce discomfort. Animals with teeth extracted are given pain medication as needed to ensure a comfortable recovery. If gingivitis or infection is extensive, antibiotics may also be necessary.

Once the procedure is completed, your pet will be closely monitored during recovery from the anesthesia. Your pet will be discharged with a written report detailing the dental cleaning and any specific concerns regarding individual teeth. You will be encouraged to continue dental care at home.

We will discuss Oravet, Plaq-Off, CET Aquadent, t-d diet and especially brushing to see what option or combination will work best for you and your pet. A vaccine is also available to prevent additional infection and is a great addition to our arsenal for small breed dogs especially prone to tooth loss. Remember: home care is essential and can be easy!

It's best to start your pet on an oral health regimen of teeth brushing and oral care products early in life!

Ask one of Grandview Animal Hospital's veterinarians to help you provide your pet the best oral care possible. If your pet already has dental disease, please speak to a staff member to schedule a dental assessment and treatment. No pet should have to live with constant oral pain.