Veterinary_dentistry Knowpia

Veterinary dentistry is the field of dentistry applied to the care of animals. It is the art and science of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions, diseases, and disorders of the oral cavity, the maxillo-facial region, and its associated structures as it relates to animals.

In the United States, veterinary dentistry is one of 20 veterinary specialties recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association.^[1] Veterinary dentists offer services in the fields of endodontics, oral and maxillofacial radiology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral medicine, orthodontics, pedodontics, periodontics, and prosthodontics. Similar to human dentists, they treat conditions such as jaw fractures, malocclusions, oral cancer, periodontal disease, and stomatitis and other conditions unique to veterinary medicine (e.g. feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions).

Some animals have specialist dental workers, such as equine dental technicians who conduct routine work on horses.

Overview edit

Most pet owners are not aware that their pet has an oral problem so an examination of the Oral Cavity Overview should form part of every physical examination. Oral examination in a conscious animal can only give limited information and a definitive oral examination can only be performed under general anaesthesia.

It is important to examine the whole animal, even when the primary complaint is the mouth. Some dental diseases may be the result of a systemic problem and some may result in systemic complications. In all cases, dental procedures require a general anaesthetic so it is important to establish the cardiovascular and respiratory status and canine and feline physiological values of the patient to avoid risks or complications.

Pain originating from dental problems is very rarely recognized by owners or professionals. Seldom will an animal become anorexic due to a dental problem. The exception to this is in the case of severe soft tissue injury, for example chronic gingivostomatitis. In general dental pain is a chronic pain, and it is only after treatment that an owner reports how much better their pet is doing. Pain is often mistaken for a pet just getting old. Very few clients examine their pets’ teeth unless they are carrying out daily home care, so actual dental problems often go unnoticed.

It is important to recognize symptoms that may have a link to dental diseases such as a nasal discharge or external facial swellings. In some cases, dental patients may even present with what appear to be neurological symptoms.^[2]

Oral disease edit

Periodontal disease edit

Consequences of periodontal disease edit

Gingivitis edit

Signs and symptoms of oral disease edit

The main signs of oral disease include :

Halitosis
Broken or discoloured teeth
Changes in eating behaviour
Rubbing or pawing at the face
Ptyalism
Bleeding from the mouth
Inability or unwillingness to open or close the mouth
Change in temperament
Morbidity
Weight loss

Diagnosis edit

Radiography edit

Oral abnormalities, anomalies, and defects edit

Malocclusions edit

Class I malocclusion (MAL/1) edit

Class II malocclusion (MAL/2) edit

Class III malocclusion (MAL/3) edit

Other malocclusions edit

Oral lesions and masses edit

Malignant tumors edit

Nonmalignant tumors edit

Resorptive lesions edit

Developmental conditions edit

Dental cleaning edit

Dental instruments edit

Hand instruments edit

Power instruments edit

Dental charting edit

References edit

^ "Veterinary Specialty Organizations". Archived from the original on May 1, 2006. Retrieved August 20, 2006.
^ Tutt, Cedric (2007). BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Dentistry (BSAVA British Small Animal Veterinary Association (3rd ed.). UK: BSAVA. p. 200. ISBN 0905214870.