Dentistry
Our dedicated dental suite includes the most up to date equipment including digital x-ray.
All dentistry is performed under general anaesthetic for the comfort and safety of our patients. We start by documenting the levels of tartar and gingivitis on each tooth. The tartar is removed by scaling then the enamel probed for lesions and the gum line checked for pockets of recession. If there are any areas of concern, we use radiography to visualise the whole tooth: 2/3 of the tooth is the root below the gum line so it is very important that we check for signs of disease that can’t be seen from the surface. Our digital x-ray machine allows these images to be seen immediately so we can make quick decisions and keep anaesthetic time to a minimum.
We perform surgical removal of teeth if necessary and usually the extraction sites are sutured with dissolvable stitches.
Finally, the teeth are polished with special toothpaste to ensure the surface is smooth which helps to prevent build up of plaque in the future.
9 year old terrier dog:
12 year old crossbreed dog:
Tooth resorption
Tooth resorption is a common and painful condition affecting cats of all ages and it can occasionally affect dogs too.
The underlying cause is yet unknown, it is not related to build up of tartar and cannot be prevented by dental hygiene.
Resorption of the tooth begins in the root around the gum line. The root is eroded and gradually dissolves. This resorption continues inside the crown of the tooth, weakening the enamel and resulting in exposure of the sensitive nerves leading to pain.
Some cats will show signs of dental pain including reluctance to eat especially hard biscuits, salivation or sensitivity to the jaw being touched. However, many cats will show no obvious signs of pain and seem to eat as normal – some will even gobble their food to avoid chewing so may be seen as eating more than usual!
Tooth resorption can often be recognised on routine examination as a small area of pink at the gum line. When the vet spots this tell-tale sign, they will recommend your cat has an examination under general anaesthetic so that x-rays can be taken to assess the full extent of the disease
These images of Mulberry House patients show how important dental xrays are – a very subtle lesion seen on the tooth can have a large erosion underneath.
The diseased teeth will need extracted and the xrays will show the vet whether the entire roots need to be extracted or only the painful crown removed.
8 year old British shorthair cat:
13 year old domestic shorthair cat:
