Your pet’s doctor will examine the teeth at each visit/examination. We urge you to examine the mouth and teeth at least monthly because important things are happening in the mouth this first year. Look for chipped, broken, movable, discolored, extra teeth, missing teeth, unusual gum tissue and for foreign objects stuck between teeth.

The red number 1’s are retained baby teeth. In this picture, see how the permanent teeth, blue number 2’s have been pushed inward and when they fully erupt, they will poke into and damage the roof of the mouth. The green “x” is a baby incisor to be removed.

These numbers are true for most pets:

- 28 baby (deciduous) teeth erupt between 3 and 6 weeks of age.

- 42 permanent teeth arrive between 4 and 7 months by pushing the baby teeth out. (Between 4 and 7 months, you may see baby teeth fall out, or find them on the floor or see some bleeding gums where they have fallen out)

Teething: Teeth pushing through the gums are painful and the pain is reduced by chewing on objects. Rawhide chews and soft toys seldom cause damage. Do not allow real bones, hard plastic chews and cow hooves as they often fracture or break teeth.

Retained Deciduous Teeth:  Occasionally a permanent tooth will erupt beside a baby tooth, and the baby tooth can crowd the permanent tooth into the wrong position resulting in malocclusion or a bad bite.When a baby tooth (deciduous) tooth and the accompanying  adult or permanent tooth can both be seen, the baby tooth should be removed quickly.  You do not want the baby tooth to deflect the permanent tooth into an incorrect position.  Also, when two teeth occupy the space meant for one tooth, food accumulates between them and periodontal disease and discomfort occur. Removing baby teeth typically requires anesthesia so the the baby tooth can be removed completely.

A red #1 baby tooth is pushing the blue #2 permanent tooth forward.

The retained baby tooth has been extracted.

BROKEN TEETH NEED TREATMENT

Gus came into AHNA with a broken tooth

Acting Quickly = Less Pain & Less Infection

PAINFUL: A broken tooth is painful but as a survival instinct, pets seldom express oral pain.

SUPERFICIAL FRACTURE: When the crown (above the gum line) of a tooth is broken superficially, the dentinal tubules (30,000 tubules per square millimeter) under the enamel are exposed and the pet experiences sensitivity. A sealant can be applied which reduces sensitivity and infection rate.

DEEP FRACTURE: When the crown is fractured deeply enough that the root canal / pulp cavity (nerves and blood vessels) are exposed, you will see a pink spot or actual bleeding.  If you call immediately, we can evaluate the fracture and determine which treatment best meets your needs.

• VITAL PULPOTOMY is an option if the fracture is less than 48 hours old and only the crown is fractured and the patient is less than 2 years old. The fracture is smoothed and contoured and the root canal is sealed. The advantages include that the procedure is non-painful for the pet and the tooth is still alive and continues to grow and strengthen itself. Studies show an 88% success rate when performed within 48 hrs of the fracture and 41% if performed within 2 to 7 days (not advisable). The tooth should be x-rayed 6 months to 1 year later to confirm viability of the tooth. The disadvantage is, it may not work! Repeat x-rays are important.
• EXTRACTION is always a choice with any broken tooth and is the standard treatment if the break goes below the gum line into the root or if it is an unimportant tooth or if there is periodontal disease. Disadvantage is loss of the function of the tooth and advantage is that it is always successful.
• ROOT CANAL THERAPY: Teeth broken more than 48 hours with adequate structure in pets older than 2 years can be retained by performing a root canal procedure. The tooth is dead but continues to function. Success rates are approximately 85% if the tooth is abscessed and 95% if not. This may allow keeping an important tooth and the disadvantage is cost. Tooth should be x-rayed 6 months to a year later to confirm success.

Gus' broken tooth.

Gus' Treated Tooth

Actual Case:  Gus (pictured above) lives with a Lab named Norman. They tried to catch the same ball at the same time and each accidently broke a tooth.  The owner reacted quickly by taking advantage of our evening hours and both pets were examined and then were treated the next morning. Gus’ Vital Pulpotomy saved his tooth and he was pain free upon awakening.

FACT: Pet bad breath means periodontal infection.

FACT: The most common disease in dogs is periodontal infection (in 80% by age 3 years)

FACT: The most common cause of discomfort in dogs is periodontal infection.

FACT: Periodontal infection is preventable. Prevention saves discomfort and money.

Every pet owner would like their pet to avoid the chronic “silent” pain of periodontal infection, the mouth odor from infection and the risks to the heart, liver and kidneys. So many pet owners describe a feeling of shock when they hear that extractions are needed because oral disease has progressed too far.

Your dog will be much happier with healthy teeth and gums.

AHNA has sophisticated anesthesia, digital dental x-ray and dental procedures. Our dental assistants are highly trained. We have Dr. Thompson who dedicates 100% of his time to the practice of veterinary dentistry.

Yes, we perform safe technical dental procedures, but the BEST SERVICE that we can provide is for all of us to work as a team to PREVENT infection, discomfort and extractions. Your pet needs you to believe in home care.

At some age, every parent of a child is told by a pediatrician that their daughter or son is ready for tooth brushing. The child may resist of even cry, but as a parent, you do not question your obligation to brush your child’s teeth. Your pet will greatly benefit from a regular program of home care from you and professional care from us.

Our team is happy to help you learn how to brush your pet’s teeth (never risk being bitten).