Pet Dental Care and Response to 20/20 Segment

 

Recently, 20/20 broadcast a segment portraying veterinarians as dishonest professionals.  Of course, veterinarians and pet owners alike are outraged.   I would like to present a discussion of the importance of dental care, the safety of anesthesia and the standard of care expected among veterinary professionals.  Standard of care, by definition, is “the level at which the average, prudent provider in a given community would practice.  It is how similarly qualified practitioners would have managed the patient’s care under the same or similar circumstances.”   The standard of care in veterinary medicine is to recommend annual dental cleanings and oral radiographs (x-rays) for all dogs and cats over 3 years of age.

Dental disease is the most common diagnosis among dogs and cats over three years of age, affecting 85% of patients.   When left untreated, dental disease, plaque, tartar and bacteria, lead to irreversible damage to the teeth, gums, and supporting tissues.  This damage is called periodontal disease.   As dental disease progresses, pets will most commonly have offensive breath, buildup of tartar, redness at the gum line and exhibit signs of pain.

Once present, periodontal disease is irreversible and often leads to tooth loss or extractions.  Chronic bacterial infections which develop due to untreated dental disease affect major organs such as the heart, kidneys and liver, and increase your pet’s risk of diabetes.  General anesthesia is required to perform these procedures appropriately.  Experienced veterinarians use the safest anesthetics and thoroughly evaluate your pet with a complete physical examination and blood work prior to engaging in anesthesia.

Under anesthesia, your pet should be monitored closely by a trained technician and numerous continuous monitors to observe several vital parameters.  Anesthesia, properly performed, in the right patient is safe.   Anesthesia does not accumulate in your pet’s body over time.

The cost of an annual professional dental cleaning is far less than the cost of tooth extractions, medications and diseases which ensue due to neglect.  Pets’ teeth are deeply embedded in bone and require trained oral surgery to extract properly.    Additionally, a routine teeth cleaning takes only 20 minutes under anesthesia, while numerous extractions may take hours

Proper dental care will directly extend your pet’s life by up to 25%.  The most important steps you may take to protect your pet’s teeth are to visit your veterinarian every 6 months for a thorough examination, perform annual professional dental cleanings with oral x-rays, and practice daily home care through brushing with fluoride-free toothpaste, oral chews and rinses.   Our pets are family members, and as such, they deserve the highest quality of medicine, dentistry and surgery available.

Dr. Mia Frezzo, DVM is an established veterinarian with over 15 years of experience based in New Jersey. She will be opening her own animal hospital in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ in 2014.  

 

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