Periodontics

Periodontics is the discipline in veterinary dentistry which focuses on the health status and treatment of the periodontal tissues in the oral cavity. Periodontal disease (PD) is defined by inflammation and the level of destruction of tissues including: (1) gum tissue (gingiva), (2) the bone forming the tooth socket, (3) the periodontal ligament that secures the tooth in the tooth socket, and (4) the cementum, which provides the attachment of the periodontal ligament to the tooth. The periodontal tissues work together to hold the teeth in the mouth. Inflammation and destruction of these tissues is due to the presence of plaque on the teeth.

Periodontal disease is the most common disease diagnosed among dogs and cats, and by the age of 2 years roughly 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of PD. PD progresses over time and treatment is focused around slowing down the progression of disease with routine plaque reduction and removal above and below the gingival margin. This is achieved by dental home care (tooth brushing, oral rinses, dental diets, dental treats) and annual scaling and polishing of the teeth by your veterinarian. Daily tooth brushing is considered the gold standard in dental home care for our pets.

Far too often PD progresses to the point where additional treatments are necessary. These treatments are focused on reducing inflammation and re-establishing the attachment of the periodontal tissues. In some circumstances we can even regenerate new periodontal tissues. Treatment is always dependent on the stage of disease. West Slope Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery offers several treatment options depending on the severity of the periodontal disease. Please contact our office for more information about these treatments for your patients and pets.

Endodontics

Endodontics is the discipline of veterinary dentistry that focuses on the pulp of the tooth.  Endodontic disease (pulpitis) is infection and inflammation of the pulp and ultimately leads to the death (necrosis) of the pulp tissue of the tooth. The pulp consists of blood vessels, nerves, connective tissue and other cells and is contained in the pulp chamber and root canal system located in the center of the tooth. Pulpitis commonly results from either direct exposure of the pulp to the oral cavity due to a tooth fracture or blunt force trauma of the tooth.

Teeth with endodontic disease are painful and affect the quality of life for dogs and cats. Often signs of pain go unrecognized because in most cases, dogs and cats do not show signs of oral pain. Even though this is the case, we know that these teeth do cause pain and therefore it is always recommended that these teeth are treated. Treatment options for teeth with endodontic disease include root canal therapy or extraction of the tooth. There are several reasons why root canal therapy is the superior treatment option; the primary reason is centered around the preservation of functional tooth structure.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

West Slope Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery offers several advanced surgical treatment options for your patients that include complicated extractions, impacted teeth, retained root retrieval, full mouth extractions, fracture repair, maxillectomies, mandibulectomies or palate surgery. Oral surgery can be a scary decision for a lot of pet owners; therefore, we are available upon referral to be a part of the initial diagnosis, or consultation with the pet owner prior to scheduling a surgical procedure to discuss the diagnosis and treatment options. We bring our training, expertise, and necessary equipment to the host veterinary clinic for all surgical procedures. West Slope Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery is here to provide our services for your patient.  Please feel free to contact us regarding consultations or to schedule our services for you and your patient.

Orthodontics

Orthodontics is the discipline of veterinary dentistry focusing on the patient’s occlusion. Occlusion describes the position of the teeth and musculoskeletal relationship of the upper and lower jaws. An abnormal occlusion (malocclusion) can have a detrimental effect on the teeth and surrounding tissues involved and overall quality of life of the patient. Malocclusions can be present in both the deciduous (baby teeth) and/or the permanent (adult) dentition and associated with the jaws of both young and adult animals. At West Slope Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery, we believe that every animal deserves a pain free and functional bite. Our treatment goals are focused on achieving this principle for all our patients. Treatments vary depending on the identified malocclusion, the patient and the pet owner. Corrective treatment options may involve the orthodontic movement of teeth, alteration of tooth structure or surgical methods to correct the malocclusion. Upon diagnosis of a malocclusion, we provide orthodontic counseling and treatment planning prior to any treatment.

Prosthodontics

Prosthodontics is an area of veterinary dentistry that pertains to the restoration and placement of a prosthodontic (crown) for the protection of the tooth. Most often prosthodontics involves the placement of a metal crown on a tooth after root canal treatment or on teeth with severe tooth wear affecting the integrity and strength of the tooth. Several factors relating to the patient and tooth are involved when determining if a metal crown is warranted for a particular case.  At West Slope Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery, we pride ourselves on detailed and honest discussions regarding treatment options with the best interest of the patient and client in mind.

Restorative dentistry

Restorative dentistry focuses on restoring and repairing defective areas on the tooth surface. Common indications for restorative dentistry include uncomplicated crown fractures, enamel defects, treatment of caries (cavities), and abrasion or attrition of teeth. The goals of restorative dentistry are to seal exposed dentin to resolve tooth sensitivity and prevent bacterial invasion to the pulp and smooth the tooth surface making it less plaque retentive. West Slope Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery is available for consultation and referral regarding patients in need of restorative dentistry.