The Dental AH&T

1. The Dental AH&T • A is for Assessment • A thorough exam, with probing and charting • Dental X-Rays to see under the gum line • H is for Hygiene • Cleaning & Polishing • Fluoride & Oravet Sealant • T is for Treatment • Extractions, Surgery, etc.

2. Dental Health. . . • Healthier Pet • Pets with good dental health may live an average of TWO YEARS longer than pets without good dental health • Bacteria from a diseased mouth can travel throughout the body and infect vital organs including heart, kidneys, and liver. • Happier Pet • Freedom from pain!!!!! • “Younger”, happier behavior.

3. AMC’s Dental Standards • Comprehensive assessment including Intra-Oral X-rays to view disease under the gum line and measure bone loss. • Modern, safe anesthesia and pain protocols • Skilled monitoring • IV Catheterization for rapid access to a vein in case of emergency • IV Fluid Therapy to protect organs • Active Patient Warming • High Speed Drill for safe and less traumatic extractions and surgery • And more. . .

4. IV Catheter & Fluids • The IV Catheter allows for us to administer fluids and medications into the vein instantly. Immediate vein access is especially important in case of an emergency need to administer medications. • Administering IV fluids keeps the patient hydrated and helps maintain normal blood pressure. This protects the patients vital organs during the stress of anesthesia.

5. Airway Protection • An endotracheal tube is placed in the patient’s airway. • Inhalant (gas) anesthesia and oxygen are administered through the tube. • The tube is designed to protect the patient’s airway from water and debris. • The patient’s level of anesthesia and oxygen saturation are monitored by a skilled assistant.

6. Bacteria & Safety • Before scaling (cleaning), the teeth, the nurse rinses the teeth and mouth with a safe antimicrobial rinse. • This greatly reduces the amount of bacteria that become “aerosolized” during the AH&T procedure, protecting both the patient and our staff. • Staff members wear protective items to protect themselves and the patient from bacteria.

7. Scaling • We scale the teeth using a modern pizeoelectric scaler • We clean every tooth surface, including below the gum line • A skilled nurse uses appropriate tools to clean the teeth well without causing damage. • Hand scaling completes the job.

8. Polishing • All tooth surfaces are polished using fine grit dental polish with a professional dental polisher. • Careful polishing creates a smooth tooth surface that is resistant to plaque and tartar and less prone to rapid tartar accumulation • Pink disclosing solution identifies any areas that still have tartar. Those areas are re-cleaned and polished.

9. Probing & Charting • Every tooth is carefully examined. The nurse performs a preliminary chart and the veterinarian completes the exam. • Probing around each tooth identifies recessed gums, attachment loss and loose teeth • Careful recording of all abnormalities allows for good follow up later.

10. Dental X-Rays • Our modern AFP intra-oral x-ray machine allows us to know what is happening under your pet’s gums. • X-rays identify bone loss and other hidden disease. • X-rays allow us to accurately stage your pet’s periodontal disease using degree of bone loss • X-rays make extractions much safer.

11. Patient Warming • Body temperature is one of several important parameters we monitor during anesthesia. • Modern patient warming devices help the patient maintain their body heat, keeping them comfortable and supporting their rapid recovery from anesthesia. • During the procedure, a circulating warm water pad is placed under the patient and fleece blankets above. • During recovery, the patient is sandwiched between fleece blankets with a warm air blanket.

12. Fluoride Application • Fluoride hardens the tooth enamel • Reduces tooth sensitivity and lessen oral pain • Helps protect against decay • Is also applied to healthy young teeth at spay or neuter surgery

13. OraVet Sealant • Seals out bacteria and reduces plaque and tartar accumulation. • Professional sealing is followed up with weekly at home treatments to renew the seal • Daily tooth brushing at home is recommended. Tooth brushing does NOT remove the sealant.

14. Extractions & Other Surgery • Modern surgical techniques and excellent equipment allow the veterinarian to safely remove diseased teeth and perform other needed oral surgeries. • Pain control methods include local blocks and take-home pain medications as needed. • Moderately diseased teeth can sometimes be treated with root planing, placement of long-acting antibiotics and other treatments. • Severely diseased teeth must be removed. Removing diseased tissues allows the remaining healthy tissues to heal, free of a constant source of decay and bacteria. • Our high speed drill allows safe and rapid sectioning of teeth for a safer, less painful and less traumatic procedure. • Use of x-rays allows the doctor to plan the safest and most effective extraction procedure and to ensure complete removal of the root tip(s). • Antibiotics may be prescribed for severe cases.

15. Home Care • Daily tooth brushing is the gold standard of home care. • A dental diet, such as Hill’s t/d can help control plaque and tartar. • Weekly application of OraVet Gel, following a professional sealing, is helpful in preventing plaque and tartar build-up. • Our nurses will teach you everything you need to know!

16. Annie, Before & After • Annie, a 14 year old toy poodle. • Prone to rapid tartar accumulation and periodontal disease, as is typical of small breeds • History of regular dental care and professional AH&Ts. One year since last AH&T. • Regular AH&Ts help maintain oral health and prevent more severe disease and/or pain.

17. Jeremy, Before & After • 4 year old Sheltie • Unlucky genetics lead to rapid tartar build up. • Just 8 months since his last AH&T, he has dramatic tartar build up and gum inflammation. • A beautiful smile post-AH&T needs to be protected with regular brushing at home is needed to prevent rapid disease progression.

18. Kory, Before & After • 8 year old Springer Spaniel • First Dental AH&T • Severe Periodontal Disease. • Hyperplasia (severe gum inflammation produces excess gum tissue, trapping debris and bacteria.) • Gingivectomy (gum surgery) performed. • Teeth cleaned up nicely.

19. Chip, Before & After • 2 year old Bernese Mountain Dog (giant breed) • First AH&T. Early periodontal disease. • Timely dental care should help Chip maintain a healthy mouth for life. • The two children in the family need to team up to brush his teeth. One holds the cheeks out, while the other reaches in to brush!

20. Bocha, Before & After • 15 year old small breed (Terrier mix) • Severe Periodontal Disease • Numerous extractions • Fewer, but clean and healthy, teeth remain • Removal of diseased teeth is always preferable to leaving them in. Rotten and infected teeth are the source of significant

21. Honey, Before & After • 7 year old cocker spaniel • Severe Periodontal Disease • Note severe black tartar on lower canine • Two extractions

22. Prevention. . . • Dental Disease is one of the most painful preventable health conditions in pets. • Dental Disease can cause disease throughout the body, leading to organ damage or even premature death. • Dental Disease can be prevented. • Even severe and established disease can be controlled. Progression can be prevented. Pain can be eliminated. • It is never too early or too late to help your pet have a healthy mouth.