SERVICES

Among the services we offer are the following:

  • ENDODONTICS: The branch of dentistry dealing with diseases of the pulp (or nerve) inside the tooth.

    • Root canal treatment: When a tooth fractures and the pulp is exposed, bacteria enter the pulp, leading to pulp necrosis and, eventually, a "tooth-root abscess". Root canal treatment involves removing the pulp from within the tooth, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and placing an inert material inside the tooth to prevent bacteria from entering.

    • This lower right first molar tooth in a dog suffered a fracture on the lingual (inside) surface, exposing the pulp. Root canal treatment allowed the patient to keep this important chewing tooth.

     

    • Vital pulp therapy: Emergency treatment for acute tooth fractures (less than 2 days old) preserves the vitality of the tooth, in most cases avoiding the need for extraction or root canal treatment.

      • Because the patient's guardians sought treatment immediately, this fractured canine tooth was saved with vital pulp therapy.

     

  • ORAL MEDICINE: The specialty of dentistry concerned with the oral health care of medically-compromised patients, as well as with the diagnosis & non-surgical management of medically-related disorders of the oral cavity.

Left: Louie, a 15-year-old terrier mix with heart disease.

 

Right: Sierra, an 18-year-old cat with kidney disease.

 

 

 

  • Both of these patients successfully underwent general anesthesia and oral treatment with Aggie Animal Dental Service in 2004.

  • ORAL RADIOGRAPHY: The acquisition and interpretation of x-ray images of the teeth and their supporting structures.

    • An essential part of the complete oral examination, x-rays are used to diagnose periodontal disease; to diagnose resorption lesions or "cavities"; to evaluate fractured teeth before, during and after root canal treatment; to follow the progression of disease and response to treatment; to evaluate jaw fractures and oral tumors; and during routine periodontal treatment (dental cleaning) to evaluate the roots and surrounding bone of all teeth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • This 10-year-old Tibetan terrier had recurrent facial swelling under his right eye. Although there were no obvious problems with the tooth based on awake examination, dental radiographs revealed evidence of severe inflammation around all three roots (seen as black circles in the x-ray above), indicating necrosis of the pulp inside the tooth.

  • ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY: Diagnosis and surgical treatment of injuries, defects, and tumors of the oral cavity and jaws. This includes full-mouth extractions for severe stomatitis cases, maxillectomy and mandibulectomy for treatment of oral tumors, and repair of jaw fractures. Intra-oral acrylic splints offer a non-invasive alternative for treatment of fractured jaws in specific cases.

This cat had necrotic bone on his maxilla, or upper jaw, after an injury. The necrotic area was removed surgically (with a partial maxillectomy) and the patient made a full recovery.

 

 

 

 

  • ORTHODONTICS: The dental specialty that focuses on the development, prevention, and correction of irregularities of the teeth, bite, and jaw. Please note that, in our practice, application of orthodontic appliances is performed to move teeth which are causing discomfort, pain, or dysfunction, and not for cosmetic reasons. Because many cases of malocclusion (improper alignment of the teeth and/or jaws) are hereditary, we strongly recommend against breeding animals which require orthodontic treatment.

  • This canine tooth was directed too far forward, which can cause trauma to the lips and leads to more rapid plaque accumulation on the crowded teeth. After orthodontic treatment, the teeth are in their normal position.

 

  • PERIODONTICS: The branch of dentistry dealing with diseases of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth (including gums and alveolar bone).

    • Periodontal treatment: Ultrasonic scaling above and below the gum line followed by polishing. Full-mouth radiographs and diagnostic dental charting (a physical examination of each tooth) are performed on all patients presenting for periodontal treatment. Repository (intra-pocket) antibiotic therapy may help slow the progression of periodontal disease in specific cases.

     

    • Extraction of non-salvageable teeth: Local anesthetic agents (similar to Novocain®) and surgical extraction techniques are employed to minimize post-operative discomfort and speed healing.

       

    • Guided tissue regeneration. This procedure allows the conservation of teeth with significant bone loss in one or two specific areas but not affecting the entire tooth.

  • This 6-year-old Cocker spaniel came in for recurrent bouts of bad breath despite dental cleaning by her primary care veterinarian. Although her teeth and gums appeared healthy, dental x-rays revealed severe bone loss at her lower first molar teeth (above). Periodontal surgery and guided bone regeneration (using a synthetic bone grafting material) allowed new bone growth around these important teeth, as shown in the x-rays on the right, taken about 6 months after the surgery.

 

  • PROSTHODONTICS & RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY: The art and science of restoring damaged teeth with cast metal, composites, or other materials. 

  • This fractured upper fourth premolar, an important chewing tooth, had a gold crown placed following root canal treatment to restore the tooth to its normal shape and to help protect against further fracture.

 

ANESTHETIC SAFETY

General anesthesia is required to obtain intra-oral radiographs, achieve thorough periodontal treatment, and to perform any oral surgical procedures which might be indicated. We understand your concerns for your pet's safety, and in order to minimize the risk of anesthetic complications, we provide the following:

  • Pre-surgical Assessment: Pre-surgical blood tests and physical examination enable us to assess and minimize the risk of anesthesia for your pet. 

  • Monitoring: A veterinary nurse is present throughout the procedure, monitoring heart rate and rhythm, respiration rate and quality, body temperature, blood oxygenation, and blood pressure. This allows us to detect and address potential problems before they become life-threatening.

  • IV Catheterization: For all procedures requiring general anesthesia, an intravenous catheter is placed to provide us with an easy route to administer medications and fluids (which support blood pressure and kidney function) during the procedure.

  • Pain Management: We will pro-actively manage pain associated with any oral surgical procedure by administering pain medications before and/or after the procedure, in addition to use of local anesthetics (similar to Novocain®). As with any drug, side effects may be associated with administration of pain medications and local anesthetic agents.

 

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If you have questions or need assistance scheduling an appointment,
telephone Aggie Animal Dental Service at 415-533-2237
or e-mail us.