Continuing from Part 1 of this veterinary dentistry series, your pet has now had their full-mouth dental X-rays completed and the veterinarian has assessed each tooth. In Part 2, we’ll cover what happens next, including extractions, pain control, and recovery.
Our patient just had full mouth dental xrays done, and the veterinarian was evaluating each tooth and the roots to determine if extractions are needed or not.
If extractions are necessary, the veterinarian administers local nerve blocks (similar to “freezing” at your dentist) to provide additional pain control. Teeth are carefully removed, including all roots, and the gums are sutured closed with dissolvable stitches.
A new treatment we are trialing on some patients with good success is a product called “PerioVive” (periovive.com).” This is a veterinary-formulated hyaluronic acid gel that supports healing, reduces irritation, and promotes tissue regeneration.
After the Procedure
Once all treatments are complete, the technician polishes the teeth and continues to monitor your pet as they recover from anesthesia. Pain control is provided, and your pet is closely observed during recovery.
The IV catheter is removed once your pet is fully awake and ready to go home. The technician will go over all home care instructions with you at discharge.
Why It Matters
Dental disease can be painful and may affect your pet’s overall health. A professional dental procedure helps keep their mouth healthy, improves comfort, and can prevent more serious issues down the road. As dental disease sits below the gum line, the only way to look for this is to perform an anesthetized dental examination. Simple removal of dental tartar makes the teeth look pretty but does not address any underlying issues.
Early and regular home care for both dogs and cats will help keep teeth healthier. Home care options include brushing, using dental wipes or dental water additives. If you drop by the clinic we can show you what we have and book a dental exam with one of our veterinarians to review treatment options.