Dentistry

Dentistry

Veterinary Dentistry & Oral Surgery

The Dentistry & Oral Surgery team provides high‑quality, compassionate oral healthcare for pets. They offer a comprehensive range of services, including routine cleanings, extractions, periodontal surgery, root canals, endodontic surgery, malocclusion correction, cleft palate repair, trauma reconstruction, oral mass removal, and salivary gland surgery. In addition, the team actively participates in veterinary education, including training and mentoring veterinary students to ensure the next generation is well-equipped to manage your pets’ oral health.

Common Dental Conditions Treated

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is the most common dental condition in both dogs and cats. It begins with the accumulation of plaque on the surface of teeth, leading to inflammation of the gums (gingivitis). If left untreated, the disease progresses to affect the supporting structures of the teeth, resulting in bone loss and eventually tooth loss.

Common signs include:

  • Bad breath (halitosis)
  • Bleeding or red gums
  • Gum recession
  • Tooth mobility or discomfort while eating
Early intervention is critical. Treatment options vary depending on severity and may include professional dental cleaning, root planing, periodontal surgery, and in advanced cases, tooth extraction. In some patients, early-stage disease can be managed and tooth structure preserved with proper home care and professional follow-up.
Endodontic Disease (Tooth Abscess/Fracture)

Endodontic disease affects the inner portion of the tooth (pulp), which contains nerves and blood vessels. Damage or infection of the pulp can lead to significant pain and complications if left untreated.

Common causes and signs include:

  • Tooth fractures, especially those exposing the pulp, which allow bacteria to enter and cause infection
  • Tooth root infection (abscess), often resulting from untreated trauma or advanced dental disease, which may cause swelling below the eye or along the jaw
Treatment options depend on severity and may include root canal therapy or apicoectomy to save the tooth, or extraction if the damage is too advanced.
Dental Emergencies

Dental and maxillofacial emergencies require urgent evaluation to preserve oral function, relieve pain, and prevent long-term complications.

Examples of dental emergencies include:

  • Head trauma resulting in facial swelling, bleeding, or broken teeth
  • Acute inability to open or close the mouth due to jaw dislocation, TMJ injury, or muscular trauma
  • Luxated or avulsed teeth (partially or completely displaced)
  • Fracture of an immature tooth, which exposes the pulp and can quickly lead to infection or loss of the tooth
If your pet is experiencing any of the above dental emergencies, please contact the hospital immediately. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes and reduce long-term complications.
Oral Mass

Oral tumors may be benign or malignant. Early detection and diagnosis are essential, as some tumors can be aggressive or metastasize.

Common signs include:

  • Abnormal growth or swellings in the mouth
  • Bleeding from the oral cavity
  • Difficulty eating or chewing
  • Facial asymmetry or deformity
  • Foul breath or displaced teeth

Diagnosis requires a biopsy, and advanced imaging is often recommended:

  • Cone Beam CT (CBCT) offers high-resolution evaluation of bony invasion and surgical planning
  • Traditional CT is used for staging and metastatic checks, particularly for malignant tumors

Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination. Timely diagnosis and imaging improve prognosis and guide care planning.

Malocclusion (Abnormal Bite Alignment)

Malocclusion occurs when the teeth or jaws do not align properly. This misalignment can lead to oral discomfort, soft tissue trauma, abnormal tooth wear, or difficulty eating.

Common causes include:

  • Congenital or developmental conditions in young animals
  • Trauma, jaw fractures, or retained deciduous teeth in adults

Treatment options may include:

  • Orthodontic appliances to guide tooth positioning
  • Selective extraction of problematic teeth
  • Tooth reshaping (crown reduction) to relieve trauma and restore function
Early diagnosis plays a critical role in preventing long-term problems and improving the success of correction treatments.

What is DAVDC?

DAVDC stands for Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College. A DAVDC is a board-certified veterinary dental specialist who has completed:

  • Veterinary school (DVM or equivalent)
  • Advanced training, including a 1-year rotating internship and a 3-year residency in dentistry and oral surgery
  • Rigorous credentialing and specialty board examinations

DAVDCs are experts in diagnosing and treating diseases of the oral cavity, teeth, jaws, and related structures in animals.
Learn more: www.avdc.org

How to Brush Your Pet's Teeth Step-by-Step

  1. Start slow and be patient
    Let your pet get used to having their lips and mouth handled. Begin by gently lifting the lips and touching the teeth and gums with your finger. Use treats and praise for positive reinforcement.
  2. Use pet-safe toothpaste and a soft brush
    Only use toothpaste formulated for pets. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush or finger brush.
  3. Introduce the brush gradually
    Let your pet lick the toothpaste from the brush before you begin brushing. Start with a few teeth and slowly increase over time.
  4. Use the correct technique:
    • Hold the brush at a 45° angle toward the gumline.
    • Use gentle horizontal back-and-forth strokes 3 times, followed by a final stroke away from the gums.
    • Do not press hard—if bristles bend, reduce pressure.
    • Focus on the outer (cheek-facing) surfaces of the teeth where plaque builds up most.

Harvey C, Serfilippi L, Barnvos D. Effect of Frequency of Brushing Teeth on Plaque and Calculus Accumulation, and Gingivitis in Dogs. Journal of veterinary dentistry. 2015;32(1):16-21. doi:10.1177/089875641503200102

  1. Brush regularly
    Aim for daily brushing for best results. Brushing every other day still provides meaningful benefit, while brushing less than once a week is unlikely to control plaque and gingivitis effectively.
  2. End on a positive note
    Finish each brushing session with a treat, praise, or playtime so your pet begins to enjoy or tolerate the process.

 

Additional Tips & Tools:

  • Brush at a consistent time each day, ideally when your pet is relaxed.
  • Use VOHC-approved chews, water additives, and oral rinses to support brushing.
Ask your veterinarian to demonstrate brushing or help choose the right products.

Non-Anesthetic Dental Cleanings (NADs)

You may see “anesthesia-free” dental cleanings offered by groomers or non-veterinary providers. These procedures typically remove only visible calculus from the tooth surface, but do not address disease below the gumline, where most significant dental problems occur.

Risks and limitations of non-anesthetic dental procedures include:

  • Inability to assess or treat periodontal pockets, bone loss, or tooth root infections
  • Missed diagnoses such as fractured teeth, oral tumors, or retained roots
  • Lack of pain management or full oral exam capabilities
  • Increased risk of jaw fractures, especially in small-breed dogs or pets with severe periodontal disease, due to excessive force or manipulation while the patient is awake

Because of these risks, non-anesthetic dental cleanings are not a substitute for professional veterinary care. They may provide a cosmetic appearance of cleanliness, but they do not improve oral health and can lead to delayed diagnosis of serious conditions.

Both the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) strongly discourage non-anesthetic dental procedures unless performed by a licensed veterinarian as part of a specific diagnostic plan.

Learn more at www.avdc.org