The Dental AH&T  A is for Assessment –A thorough exam, with probing and charting –Dental X-Rays to see under the gum line  H is for Hygiene –Cleaning & Polishing –Fluoride & Oravet Sealant  T is for Treatment –Extractions, Surgery, etc.

Dental Health...  Healthier Pet –Pets with good dental health may live an average of TWO YEARS longer than pets without good dental health –Bacteria from a diseased mouth can travel throughout the body and infect vital organs including heart, kidneys, and liver.  Happier Pet –Freedom from pain!!!!! –“Younger”, happier behavior.

AMC’s Dental Standards  Comprehensive assessment including Intra-Oral X-rays to view disease under the gum line and measure bone loss.  Modern, safe anesthesia and pain protocols  Skilled monitoring  IV Catheterization for rapid access to a vein in case of emergency  IV Fluid Therapy to protect organs  Active Patient Warming  High Speed Drill for safe and less traumatic extractions and surgery  And more...

IV Catheter & Fluids  The IV Catheter allows for us to administer fluids and medications into the vein instantly. Immediate vein access is especially important in case of an emergency need to administer medications.  Administering IV fluids keeps the patient hydrated and helps maintain normal blood pressure. This protects the patients vital organs during the stress of anesthesia.

Airway Protection  An endotracheal tube is placed in the patient’s airway.  Inhalant (gas) anesthesia and oxygen are administered through the tube.  The tube is designed to protect the patient’s airway from water and debris.  The patient’s level of anesthesia and oxygen saturation are monitored by a skilled assistant.

Bacteria & Safety  Before scaling (cleaning), the teeth, the nurse rinses the teeth and mouth with a safe antimicrobial rinse.  This greatly reduces the amount of bacteria that become “aerosolized” during the AH&T procedure, protecting both the patient and our staff.  Staff members wear protective items to protect themselves and the patient from bacteria.

Scaling  We scale the teeth using a modern pizeoelectric scaler  We clean every tooth surface, including below the gum line  A skilled nurse uses appropriate tools to clean the teeth well without causing damage.  Hand scaling completes the job.

Polishing  All tooth surfaces are polished using fine grit dental polish with a professional dental polisher.  Careful polishing creates a smooth tooth surface that is resistant to plaque and tartar and less prone to rapid tartar accumulation  Pink disclosing solution identifies any areas that still have tartar. Those areas are re- cleaned and polished.

Probing & Charting  Every tooth is carefully examined. The nurse performs a preliminary chart and the veterinarian completes the exam.  Probing around each tooth identifies recessed gums, attachment loss and loose teeth  Careful recording of all abnormalities allows for good follow up later.

Dental X-Rays  Our modern AFP intra-oral x-ray machine allows us to know what is happening under your pet’s gums.  X-rays identify bone loss and other hidden disease.  X-rays allow us to accurately stage your pet’s periodontal disease using degree of bone loss  X-rays make extractions much safer.

Patient Warming  Body temperature is one of several important parameters we monitor during anesthesia.  Modern patient warming devices help the patient maintain their body heat, keeping them comfortable and supporting their rapid recovery from anesthesia.  During the procedure, a circulating warm water pad is placed under the patient and fleece blankets above.  During recovery, the patient is sandwiched between fleece blankets with a warm air blanket.

Fluoride Application  Fluoride hardens the tooth enamel  Reduces tooth sensitivity and lessen oral pain  Helps protect against decay  Is also applied to healthy young teeth at spay or neuter surgery

OraVet Sealant  Seals out bacteria and reduces plaque and tartar accumulation.  Professional sealing is followed up with weekly at home treatments to renew the seal  Daily tooth brushing at home is recommended. Tooth brushing does NOT remove the sealant.

Extractions & Other Surgery  Modern surgical techniques and excellent equipment allow the veterinarian to safely remove diseased teeth and perform other needed oral surgeries.  Pain control methods include local blocks and take-home pain medications as needed.  Moderately diseased teeth can sometimes be treated with root planing, placement of long-acting antibiotics and other treatments.  Severely diseased teeth must be removed. Removing diseased tissues allows the remaining healthy tissues to heal, free of a constant source of decay and bacteria.  Our high speed drill allows safe and rapid sectioning of teeth for a safer, less painful and less traumatic procedure.  Use of x-rays allows the doctor to plan the safest and most effective extraction procedure and to ensure complete removal of the root tip(s).  Antibiotics may be prescribed for severe cases.

Home Care  Daily tooth brushing is the gold standard of home care.  A dental diet, such as Hill’s t/d can help control plaque and tartar.  Weekly application of OraVet Gel, following a professional sealing, is helpful in preventing plaque and tartar build-up.  Our nurses will teach you everything you need to know!

Annie, Before & After  Annie, a 14 year old toy poodle.  Prone to rapid tartar accumulation and periodontal disease, as is typical of small breeds  History of regular dental care and professional AH&Ts. One year since last AH&T.  Regular AH&Ts help maintain oral health and prevent more severe disease and/or pain.

Jeremy, Before & After  4 year old Sheltie  Unlucky genetics lead to rapid tartar build up.  Just 8 months since his last AH&T, he has dramatic tartar build up and gum inflammation.  A beautiful smile post- AH&T needs to be protected with regular brushing at home is needed to prevent rapid disease progression.

Kory, Before & After  8 year old Springer Spaniel  First Dental AH&T  Severe Periodontal Disease.  Hyperplasia (severe gum inflammation produces excess gum tissue, trapping debris and bacteria.)  Gingivectomy (gum surgery) performed.  Teeth cleaned up nicely.

Chip, Before & After  2 year old Bernese Mountain Dog (giant breed)  First AH&T. Early periodontal disease.  Timely dental care should help Chip maintain a healthy mouth for life.  The two children in the family need to team up to brush his teeth. One holds the cheeks out, while the other reaches in to brush!

Bocha, Before & After  15 year old small breed (Terrier mix)  Severe Periodontal Disease  Numerous extractions  Fewer, but clean and healthy, teeth remain  Removal of diseased teeth is always preferable to leaving them in. Rotten and infected teeth are the source of significant

Honey, Before & After  7 year old cocker spaniel  Severe Periodontal Disease  Note severe black tartar on lower canine  Two extractions

Prevention...  Dental Disease is one of the most painful preventable health conditions in pets.  Dental Disease can cause disease throughout the body, leading to organ damage or even premature death.  Dental Disease can be prevented.  Even severe and established disease can be controlled. Progression can be prevented. Pain can be eliminated.  It is never too early or too late to help your pet have a healthy mouth.