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Dental Radiographs

Dental radiographs, also known colloquially as dental x-rays, are one of the most important diagnostics tools used in dentistry. Several conditions can either only be diagnosed with this important tool. Others diseases be caught early on and therefore allow early treatment.

At AHSC, our department of dentistry uses a brand new, digital radiographic system that allows for a significant reduction in radiation exposure both to our staff, and to our patients. Radiographs are taken by placing a digital sensor in your pet's oral cavity while they are anesthetized, usually for a dental prophylaxis. These allow full visualization of the crowns and roots of their teeth. With this information, the best recommendations can be made about tooth viability and alveolar bone density.

Dental Prophylaxis

Dental prophylaxis is more than just a cleaning of the crowns, or tops, of the teeth. Performed under anesthesia, it is also a full examination of the oral cavity and a cleaning of the subgingival sulculs, or the area BELOW the gumline. For these reasons, the American College of Veterinary Dentistry does NOT recommend any cleaning that does not involve anesthesia. In addition to the lack of proper medical evaluation and possibilities of damage to the tooth structures, this method does not allow for polishing of the surfaces of the teeth, an important preventative or prophylactic, procedure that is the standard of care for both human and veterinary dentistry.

Our dental technicians work closely with Dr. Eisner to ensure that our prophylaxis treatments meet the highest standards of veterinary dentistry. Keeping your pets' teeth in good condition can increase the quality of their lives and has been shown to be beneficial on multiple systems such as the cardiovascular (heart), renal (kidneys) and hepatic (liver).

Malocclusion

Malocclusion occurs when a tooth, or a number of teeth, do not fit together well enough to chew food without discomfort. Evaluation of your pet's bite can usually be assessed during an awake exam. The most common cause of malocclusion in veterinary patients is retained deciduous or "baby teeth" and is easily treated if caught before more chronic problems arise.

Veterinary dentists are further trained to address problems that may arise from this condition if not treated in time, or if due to other underlying issues. While the specific treatment for any malocclusion is dependent upon the underlying problem, dentists are trained in advanced procedures such as shortening of the crowns, extraction of maloccluding teeth, or orthodontic treatment to move the maloccluding teeth to a more comfortable position. This results in a patient that is much happier and ultimately healthier.

Root Canal Therapy and Endodontics

Endontics refers to the treatment of the dental pulp, or blood supply and accompanying tissue found inside the teeth of most mammals. Irreversible pulpitis, or inflammation of the pulp, can be caused by advancing dental disease, trauma, or other factors. Eventually, this results in the death of the tooth which is then followed by a slow infection of the tissues that remain behind. Untreated, these infections will smolder inside a pet's mouth, even if they are given antibiotics, and will lead tot he disintegration of the tooth itself from the inside out and loss of the bone surrounding the tooth.

Root canal therapy involves removal of this diseased pulp tissue. This area is then cleaned and disinfected and, finally, filled with a material that prevents future bacterial growth and further decay. Natural colored restorations can then placed over the treated area to provide a replacement surface for mechanical function. And while a root canal is an excellent treatment for some dogs and cats, in others it may not be best or may even be contraindicated.