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 maxillofacial 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 (AVMA). Veterinary dentists offer services in the fields of endodontics, oral and maxillofacial radiology and surgery, oral medicine, orthodontics, pedodontics, periodontics, and prosthodontics. Similar to human dentists, they treat conditions such as jaw fractures, malocclusions, oral cancer, periodontal disease, stomatitis, and other conditions unique to veterinary medicine (e.g. feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions).
Some animals have specialized dental workers, such as equine dental technicians, who conduct routine work on horses.
Overview
The practice of veterinary dentistry and oral medicine and surgery is performed by veterinarians in accordance with their state veterinary practice acts. Veterinary health-care workers may be allowed to perform certain non-invasive, non-surgical oral and dental procedures under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian in accordance with state regulations. As with other areas of veterinary practice, veterinary dentistry requires a veterinarian-client-patient relationship to protect the health, safety, and welfare of animals.
One of the most vital areas of veterinary dentistry is that it addresses periodontal disease, the most common dental condition in dogs and cats. Pets as young as three years old can show early evidence of periodontal disease, which will worsen if effective preventive measures are not taken. Early detection and treatment are critical, because advanced periodontal disease can cause severe problems and pain.
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.
Recognizing symptoms that may have a link to dental diseases, such as a nasal discharge or external facial swellings, is often a priority. In some cases, dental patients may present with what appear to be neurological symptoms.
In horses, continuous grazing leads to dental attrition. Also, due to the continuous development of a horse’s hypsodont teeth, there will be dental crown wear which can create jagged and sharp edges and attribute to uneven wear. Dental care for horses is designed to prevent "quidding,” or dropping food out of the mouth while eating, ulcerations on the cheek or tongue, resistance or unusual sensitivity to the bit, root abscessation, development of mandibular fistulas from infections in the lower cheek teeth, and difficulty flexing at the poll.
Oral disease
Periodontal disease
The most common and significant oral disease is the inflammation of the deeper supporting structures of the tooth and surrounding tissues of the periodontium; it is also called periodontal disease or periodontitis. It begins with the formation of plaque, specifically subgingival plaque within the gingival sulcus or periodontal pocket. This allows a proliferation of bacteria; the subsequent inflammation and the animal's own immune response starts the progression of periodontal disease. The hallmark feature of periodontitis is attachment loss of the tooth from the alveolar bone. Periodontitis is an irreversible process unless the animal is treated with advanced periodontal surgery techniques.
Consequences of periodontal disease
Periodontal disease eventually culminates in tooth loss; however, significant health problems can precede this. Local consequences include the development of an oronasal fistula or periodontal-endodontic lesion, infections or abscesses in the eye, a fractured jaw, osteomyelitis, and oral cancer.
