Dog Dentists

Dog dentists are veterinarians who have been board certified in dentistry. They’ve graduated vet school, completed a three-year dental residency and passed the American Veterinary Dental College. These experts provide specialist care for dental needs. Before you giggle, let’s chat about the seriousness and five reasons why you need one.

Routine and Periodontal Care

You may want to sit down before reading this. According to Dr. Keith Stein, DVM, AVDC, over 80% of dogs 3 years and older have a dental disease. Yes, plaque is probably forming in your dog’s mouth right now. Leaving it untreated can cause periodontal disease. Nasty plaque buildup causes bacteria to creep under the gum line and travel to your dog’s heart, liver and kidneys, causing damage. Routine cleanings are a must for all dogs. If you’re dog’s teeth have been neglected, seek guidance from a veterinary dentist.

Endodontic Therapy: Root Canals & Crowns

Dog teeth can and do break more often than you think, and usually unbeknownst to the pet parent. Most pet parents notice their dogs hiding, seeming a bit off, not wanting to eat or finish meals. Upon exam, a broken or abscessed tooth is discovered. Ouch! As many as 60% of pet owners report friskiness once broken teeth are repaired.

Your veterinarian will likely refer you to a veterinary dentist for evaluation because root canals and crowns can save teeth. We think of dental disease as a small dog problem. There is some merit to it, as small dogs have big teeth in a tiny mouth, so plaque collects and causes periodontal disease.

Now, medium and large dogs have dental issues too. They are more likely to chew something hard and crack teeth. Plus, it’s not easy removing teeth from a larger dog, especially large molars and canines, so seek advice from a veterinary dentist first. Root canals and crowns work exactly the same as human dentistry.

Orthodontic Therapy: Malocclusions

Malocclusion means teeth don’t fit or line up correctly, which can cause fractures, pain and discomfort, higher risk of periodontal disease, soft tissue trauma and premature dental weariness. Malocclusions are mostly seen in brachycephalic (short muzzled) breeds, such as Boxers, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus and Boston Terriers. Now, all dogs are prone to malocclusions, even long muzzled dogs, as this is considered hereditary.

Stella, my Miniature Bull Terrier, had a malocclusion. Her bottom canines did not fit perfectly within her top canines. Her right bottom canine punctured a hole in her pallet (soft tissue damage), which caused pain when eating. Dr. Keith Stein DVM, AVDC, at Tennessee Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery shortened, capped and performed a root canal to save Stella’s canines and pallet. She can now eat and chew normally, and is frisky as ever!

Oral Masses

Oral tumors account for 10% of all tumors found on dogs. Usually masses need to be removed, depending on type and location as well as if they’re malignant or benign. Wound healing is tough in a dog’s mouth. There’s moisture and bacteria so this is the time to lean on a specialist.

Oral Radiology

Over 60% of a dog’s tooth is under the gum so X-rays are pretty important for identifying tooth issues. Veterinary dentists are trained to spot issues and equipped to treat them too. Just like your dentist reads dental X-rays all day, I would trust a veterinary dentist to do the same for my dogs.

All dogs deserve a glistening smile and live pain-free. Now you know veterinary dentists are out there and willing to help!

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