Veterinary Dentistry

Chapter 34, pg. 1297-1354CTVT

Objectives

Recognize a patient’s dental health statusPerform techniques, as prescribed by a

veterinarian, to promote and maintain dental health

*Perform routine dental prophylaxis*Understand client education regarding home care

Why is Veterinary Dentistry Important?

Increasing number of canines and felines presenting with oral disease by age 5. (American Veterinary Dental Society)

Companion animals are living longerDental disease can lead to:

Anorexia Chronic pain syndromes Demeanor changes Organ disease

Why is it exciting?!

Ethical and Legal Aspects

The level of dental care that a veterinary technician may provide varies from state to state.

The American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) considers it appropriate for the veterinarian to delegate maintenance dental care and certain dental tasks to vet techs.

Dental Tasks for Veterinary Technicians

Oral examination and chartingTaking and developing dental radiographsProfessional dental cleaning “Dental prophylaxis”Taking impressions and making modelsPerforming nonsurgical, subgingival root

planningClient education

*Procedures performed by veterinary technicians must not result in alterations in the shape, structure, or positional location of teeth in the dental arch.

Veterinary Dental Organizations

Opportunities for advanced training in dentistry:NAVTA responsible for governing and overseeing

Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS). Anesthesia, emergency and critical care, internal medicine,

dentistry, behavior, zoo, etc Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians (AVDT)

credentials LVTs as specialists in dentistry Requires 3000 hours experience then…secure a mentor,

maintain case logs, write case reports, pass a specialty exam, and attend extra CE courses.

See www.avdt.us for further info.

Normal Dentition &

Dental Anatomy

Tooth Classification

Brachyodont teeth: small crown with long, well-developed roots; teeth do not continue to grow or erupt throughout animal’s life. Ex: humans, carnivores, pigs

Diphyodonts have two sets of teeth: deciduous, then permanent.

Hypsodont teeth: long crown height and continue to erupt for most the animal’s lifetime. Ex: horses, rodents, and lagomorphs

Horse: Brachyodont or Hypsodont?

Rat: Brachyodont or Hypsodont?

Dog: Brachyodont or Hypsodont?

Oral Anatomy

Upper teeth embedded in maxilla (upper arch).

Lower teeth anchored in mandible (lower arch).

Front, upper teeth are called incisors and are housed in the premaxilla (a.k.a. incisive bone).

Maxilla houses the upper canine teeth, premolars and molars (cheek teeth).

Palatine bone comprises most of the hard palate.

Dental Morphology

Incisors: in front of the mouth and are used for gnawing and grooming.

Canine Teeth: long and used for grasping and tearing

• Premolars and Molars: are used for shearing and grinding.

Maxillary Arcade

R

Mandibular Arcade

R

Dentition

Mammals show great variety in dentition (numbers and types of teeth).

Dental formulas are used to classify the normal dentitions of different animal species.

Normal Dentition of Dogs and Cats

Puppies have 28 deciduous (primary / milk) teeth. Eruption occurs between 3 to 6 weeks of age Canine and incisors first; no molars

Dogs have 42 permanent teeth. Eruption occurs between 3 to 5 months

Kittens have 26 deciduous teeth. Eruption occurs at about 3 to 6 weeks

Cats have 30 permanent teeth. Eruption occurs about 3 to 6 months.

Normal Dentition of the Dog and Cat

42

upper I C P M

lower I C P M

30

Tooth Morphology (Outer)

Crown = part of the tooth that is visible in the mouth above the gum line.Shiny enamel covers the crown of the tooth.

Hardest substance in the body. Prevents tooth from being invaded by bacteria

and acids. If destroyed, will not regrow.

The root is the tooth structure below the gum line and is covered by cementum.The tip of the root is the apex of the tooth.

Tooth Morphology (Inner)

Dentin is the substance that composes the bulk of the tooth. Harder than bone but not as hard as enamel. Lies under the enamel and cementum.

Pulp cavity is located within the central core of the tooth and contains pulp. Pulp is composed of blood vessels, nerves, and

connective tissue and produces dentin. Pulp chamber is the portion of the pulp cavity located in

the crown. Root canal is the portion located beneath the gum line.

Above the gum line.

Below the gum line.

Covers the crown

Very hard bone that makes up the majority of tooth.

Within the dentin, made upof nerves, blood vessels,and connective tissue

Covers the root

Shock absorbinglining; attachestooth to thebony socket.

Bony socket

Gingiva

Root canal

Chamber

Tooth Anatomy

Triadan System

Refers to teeth using a numeric system100 series: Right maxillary quadrant200 series: Left maxillary quadrant300 series: Left mandibular quadrant400 series: Right mandibular quadrant

Each tooth has its own predictable number Start with the most rostral tooth and move caudal If tooth is not present, skip that number

Triadan System- Canine

P

M

The mandibular first molar.

The X’s indicate the cervical (gingival) area of the tooth.

Area between roots of multi-rooted teeth

Triadan System-Feline

Tip: Canines always end in 4; the first molar always ends in 9

History and Extraoral Examination

Dental procedures require general anesthesia Obtain a proper history Ask about general medical info, medications,

nutrition/treats, toysExtraoral exam

Palpate muscles of the face Retropulse the eyelids

Look for symmetric depth and firmness Look for ocular and nasal discharge Palpate submandibular lymphnodes

Intraoral Examination

The entire mouth should be evaluated:1. Soft tissue

Mucosa- should be pink or pigmented; no lesions seen Two salivary ducts bumps dorsal to max. 4th PM/1st M

Hard palate- covered in rugae Incisive papilla- midline, caudal to incisors

Pharynx- evaluate for inflammation/neoplasia Tongue- chewing lesions present?

2. Teeth Missing, fx, mobility, etc

3. Periodontium Inflammation, pockets, bone loss, etc

*Radiographs often necessary

Normal vs. Abnormal

The Periodontum

The periodontium is the area where the tooth meets the gum. To attach the tooth to the jaw and provide support,

resistant to normal, functional forces. It includes:

Gingiva Periodontal ligament Cementum Alveolar bone

The Periodontum

Gingiva = gum tissue surrounding teethGingival sulcus is the shallow groove

between the tooth and the gingiva. Normal depth is 0-3 mm in canines; up to 1 mm in

felines Called a periodontal pocket when abnormal.

The Peridontium

Cementum is a bone-like tissue that covers the root surface. It is stronger than bone but not as strong as enamel. It is capable of repairing

itself.Alveolar bone forms the

tooth socket. Blood vessels and nerves run

through the alveolar bone Periodontal ligament

attaches cementum to the alveolar bone.