Veterinary Dentistry CTVT: Chapter 34 begins on page 1297

Objectives Recognize a patient’s dental health status Perform 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? Dental disease can lead to: Anorexia Chronic pain syndromes Organ disease American Veterinary Dental College Organization recognized by the American Board of Veterinary Specialties of the American Veterinary Medical Association Board Certified Veterinary Dentist

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.

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 charting Professional dental cleaning “Dental prophylaxis” Taking and developing dental radiographs Taking impressions and making models Performing nonsurgical, subgingival root planning Client education *Procedures performed by veterinary technicians must not result in alterations in the shape, structure, or positional location of teeth in the dental arch.

History and Extraoral Examination Dental procedures require general anesthesia Obtain a proper history Ask about general medical info, medications, nutrition/treats, toys Extraoral exam Palpate muscles of the face Retropulse the eyelids Look for symmetric depth and firmness Look for ocular and nasal discharge Palpate submandibular lymph nodes

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 ________ Incisive papilla- midline, caudal to incisors Pharynx- evaluate for inflammation/neoplasia Tongue- chewing lesions present?

Intraoral Examination 2. Teeth Number, fractures, mobility, etc 3. Periodontium Inflammation, pockets, bone loss, etc *Radiographs often necessary

The Periodontum The periodontum 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 teeth Healthy gingiva can be pink or pigmented The margin lies closely against the crown of the tooth Gingival _________ 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 _________________ 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 ___________ attaches cementum to the alveolar bone.

Occlusion Orthodontics studies the way in which the teeth meet each other (occlude). Occlusion is defined as the normal position of the teeth when the jaws are closed. In normal occlusion, teeth come together in a scissors bite.

Scissor Bite Evaluation Scissors bite is evaluated in three locations: 1. The mandibular canine tooth resides in the ________________ space of the upper third incisor and the upper canine tooth. 2. The upper fourth premolar is labial to the lower first molar, which together, constitute the ____________ teeth. 3. Maxillary incisors are slightly ___________ to the mandibular incisors.

Normal Occlusion

Normal scissors occlusion in a dog: Rostral view of incisors and canine teeth

Mesocephalic Breeds Well proportioned skull width and maxillary length; Ex. Dalmations, Labs, German shepherd dogs.

Dolichocephalic Narrow skull and long maxilla; Sight hounds, collies & Siamese cats.

Brachycephalic Breeds Wide skull with a short maxilla; Pugs, Bulldogs & Persian cats

Normal Scissors Occlusion: When all three locations are normal- the premolars interdigitate toward the opposing interdental space.