Dental Care

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With recent advances in veterinary medicine, it has become obvious that dental care is one of the most important things you can do to add years and quality to your pet’s life.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is a condition in which bacteria attack the soft gum tissue. It is the most frequently diagnosed health problem for pets.

How a simple dental infection spreads. . .

Bacteria, combined with saliva and food debris between the tooth and gum, can cause plaque formulations that accumulate on the tooth. As bacteria grow in the plaque and as calcium salts are deposited, plaque turns to tartar. Without treatment, this plaque and tartar buildup leads to periodontal disease.

This is where the danger lies.

Good dental care is important because...

► The natural buildup of tartar leads to gingivitis, a painful gum infection.

► If your pet now has halitosis (bad breath), just imagine what it must be like for him to have to live with that odor in his mouth 24 hours a day!

► Diseased gums and teeth can lead to other diseases such as endocarditis (heart valve infection) and pyelonephritis (kidney infection).

What steps are involved in a dental cleaning?

► Scaling the tartar from above and below the gum line, using both hand instruments and ultrasonic scaling
equipment.

► Polishing "smoothes down" the surfaces, making them more resistant to plaque formation.

► Flushing with a special antiseptic solution rids the mouth of bacteria so they do not invade gums, which may have been irritated during cleaning.

► Antibiotics are usually necessary since tooth and gum disease are already present in most pets.

► Fluoride treatment strengthens the enamel and decreases the rate of plaque buildup.

”Seal the Deal” with OraVet

What is OraVet?

OraVet is an inert, waxy polymer that adheres to the teeth, creating an invisible, physical barrier between the oral bacteria and the crown of the tooth. By preventing the adherence of bacteria, the production of plaque and tartar are reduced both above and below the gum line.

Is OraVet effective?

A study in the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry showed a statistical improvement in plaque, calculus, gingivitis, and gingival bleeding in those patients receiving the product compared to controls.

How is OraVet applied?

► OraVet does NOT remove plaque and calculus so it is important to have a complete dental cleaning before application. Once the teeth are cleaned and thoroughly dried, the high viscosity, professional product (OraVet Barrier Sealant) is applied. This product will produce a waxy barrier lasting 10-14 days.

► OvaVet is dispensed in a home care packet (OraVet Prevention Gel) containing 8 weekly applications. Click the image to the right to receive weekly e-mail reminders.

► OraVet need only be applied to the outer surface of the tooth and can be conveniently applied with either the sponge applicators in the packet or with your finger. Application is most cases takes less than 60 seconds.

Are there any risks with anesthesia?

CPAH is equipped with the newest technology in pre-anesthetic testing capabilities and monitoring devices to provide the highest level of safety and comfort for all our patients. Each system monitored is programmed to sound an alarm if there is even a small change from normal levels, allowing us to respond before problems develop.

► Pre-anesthetic blood tests—insure that your furry friend is in the low risk category prior to anesthesia. We offer several levels of testing depending upon your pet’s age and risk category.

► Isoflurane gas anesthesia—the newest and safest anesthetic available.

► Heated table—ensures proper warmth of your pet. This is especially important for smaller pets.

► EKG monitor—monitors cardiac activity and heart rate just as in human hospitals.

► Pulse-oximeter monitor—measures the blood oxygen level, pulse strength, and heart rate.

► Blood pressure monitor—automatically inflates a pressure cuff every few minutes and takes systolic, diastolic, and mean pressures.

Is it safe for older pets?

Anesthesia is a safe procedure in older pets when certain precautions are taken. A "senior pet blood profile" should be done prior to anesthesia to identify possible internal problems, which cannot be found on physical examination. Senior pets also benefit greatly from intravenous fluids to maintain adequate blood circulation and blood pressure.

What is expected of me?

► Pick up all food at 6 pm. Water can be left out all night.

► Most pets should be started on antibiotics two days prior to the dental procedure.

How much will this cost?

It is much less expensive to maintain your pet’s oral health than it is to treat severe tooth or gum disease later in life, not to mention the discomfort you may save your pet.

Our staff will be happy to discuss any questions you might have about the costs involved in cleaning your pet’s teeth. We can help you choose the level of pre-anesthetic blood testing based on your pet’s age and general health status.

We may need to call you if problems are found.

Please leave a phone number where we can contact you that morning. If you will be unavailable, please talk to one of the doctors when you leave your pet with us in the morning.

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