FOX19 News at 8 a.m. - Vet Diane Krumanaker - Pet Dental Health

We start with a comprehensive oral exam. Must be done under sedation to relax your pet so they aren't stressed and don't experience any pain your pet's safety is top of mind - each patient is continuously monitored by a dedicated team member What will we find? We like to find healthy teeth under a small amount of tartar, with healthy gums that are pink and sharp-edged Dental xrays show us healthy roots and bone These procedures are the shortest and least invasive An optional dental sealant provides up to 6 months of extra protection against periodontal disease What else can we find? Unfortunately, most of our dental procedures reveal disease of some kind. gingivitis: swollen red gums pockets: when infection travels along the tooth root under the gum line root exposure: chronic infection leads to loss of gum and bone loose teeth: this is the end stage of periodontal disease, when the supporting structures around the tooth have been destroyed by infection tongue or cheek ulcers or wounds growths: lumps inside the mouth can be either cancerous or non-cancerous, and biopsy is required to tell the best course of treatment swollen tonsils or lymph nodes foreign objects: we've removed hair, pieces of acorn, and even sticks! laryngeal changes: some patients develop problems with the soft tissues around their larynx as they age, leading to swallowing or breathing changes All of these problems required advanced procedures, from root planing to extraction to oral surgery. After we've done our job, it's up to you. Daily home care will keep your pet's mouth healthy - this includes feeding a dental diet, daily oral chews, or daily brushing with an enzymatic toothpaste. Look for the VOHC seal on products.