Mill Creek Animal Clinic

Mill Creek Animal Clinic

Mill Creek Animal Clinic is a fully equipped veterinary facility with a small practice personal approach.

(708) 361-6002
Email: mcac@millcreekanimal.com

Mill Creek Animal Clinic
12944 South LaGrange Road,<br />Palos Park, IL 60464

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Dental Home Care

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Friday, August 17, 2018 / Published in Helpful Articles

Dental Home Care

The spectrum of dental disease in the dog and cat is wide and varied. This paper reviews the dental problems seen in dogs and cats, what services the veterinary dentist can offer, and what pet owners should know about their pets’ teeth and gums.

For more information about  how we clean your pets teeth during a dental procedure at the clinic, click here.

Gum Diseases:

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats develop gum disease by the age of three years. Periodontal disease is the most common dental condition affecting dogs and cats. Infection and inflammation of the gums and supporting tissues of theteeth are caused by bacteria present in plaque and calculus (tartar). The problem begins when plaque and calculus are allowed to build up on a pet’s teeth, especially below the gumline. Bad breath, bleeding and inflammation of the gums, receding gums, loosening and the eventual loss of teeth are characteristic of the condition. Prophylactic treatment to keep the teeth clean is therefore of great importance. Your veterinarian may recommend an oral hygiene program that includes regularly brushing your pets’ teeth with a toothpaste formulated for animals. Diet is a major factor in the development of plaque and tartar. Soft or sticky foods should therefore be avoided, while certain chewing toys are beneficial. A specially formulated diet with dental benefits (reduced accumulation of plaque and tartar) is now available for dogs.

Lack of oral hygiene results in plaque and calculus accumulation

Be patient when initiating oral home care, especially in older animals. It is best to start dental care at an early age. Introduce brushing gradually and begin by rubbing your pet’s teeth and gums with a soft gauze wrapped around a finger. Gradually switch over to a toothbrush designed for pets or to a very soft human toothbrush. Avoid forceful restraint of the patient; rather make it a bonding experience and always praise and reward your pet for its cooperation.

Regular dental check-up visits to your veterinarian are strongly recommended; the interval between check-up’s varies from pet to pet and also depends on how effective the home care program is. Hardened tartar should be removed by your veterinarian, as this requires the use of special instruments and equipment. Routine periodontal treatment performed by a veterinarian typically includes ultrasonic scaling, subgingival manual scaling, and polishing. All dental procedures in pets, including scaling and polishing, are performed under general anesthesia. The current state-of-the-art of veterinary anesthesia is such, that this poses minimal risk. The adverse effects of bad teeth on the overall health of the animal also greatly outweigh the anesthetic risk.

Their are clear indications that oral health status has a profound effect on the animal’s general health. Periodontal disease may cause bacteria and toxins to enter the bloodstream with potentially deleterious effects on internal organs. Conversely, poor systemic health may manifest in the oral cavity in various ways and may also exacerbate periodontal disease. Your pet’s dental examination is therefore not limited to the oral cavity but always includes a general physical examination. Laboratory examinations, to evaluate systemic disease concerns, are also commonly performed. Some dogs and cats suffer from chronic oral infection or stomatitis, a poorly understood condition which is frustratingly difficult to treat.

Other Dental Conditions:

Tooth decay or caries, as seen in man, may occur but is relatively rare in the dog and cat. Cats, however, are prone to developing a different type of cavity, known as a resorption lesion. These poorly understood lesions often begin at, or below the gumline. Red, inflamed gums around an affected tooth, and pain are early signs that can be noticed by the pet owner. These lesions require immediate veterinary care.

Dental fractures are very common in the dog, and dental treatment is mandatory if pulp exposure has occurred. The exposed pulp is not only very painful, but also becomes necrotic; the formation of a periapical granuloma or “tooth abscess” is also possible. Endodontic treatment (commonly referred to as root canal treatment) is now routinely performed by veterinary dentists. Subsequent to endodontic treatment, the root canal opening is filled with a dental sealant. Crown restoration, for which various techniques exist, is also available. In selected cases, other methods of fixed prosthodontics, such as a bridge, may also be considered. Most veterinarians do not offer this service, but are happy to refer selected cases to referral centers.

In the field of orthodontics, attention is paid to the manner in which the teeth are arranged relative to one another (so-called “bite problems”). In evaluating a dog’s bite, it is important examine all the teeth. Malpositioned teeth may be the result of teething problems and are not necessarily of genetic origin. On the other hand, evaluation of all the teeth may reveal that the bony structure supporting the teeth is abnormal, which is indeed hereditary. As many of these conditions may have a hereditary background, genetic counseling is always offered; it is often recommended that the animal be rendered incapable of reproduction. Corrective orthodontic treatment is restricted to conditions that obviously cause pain and discomfort to the patient. Both fixed and removable appliances, similar to those used in humans, have been used in animals with good results.

A tooth fracture requires urgent veterinary attention

Oral surgery in pets includes extractions, jaw fracture repair and oral tumor management. Unfortunately not all teeth can be saved and extraction is often the treatment of choice. Extraction techniques have been refined in order to minimize the pain and discomfort. Prevention however, remains better than cure. Trauma in dogs and cats is common and jaw fractures occur relatively frequently. The management of jaw fractures is an important aspect of oral surgery. New techniques for fracture repair have been designed and existing techniques modified to minimize damage to teeth and ensure a rapid return to normal function.

Tumor cases account for another important group of oral surgery patients. Tumors of the mouth and throat are common in the dog but occur less frequently in the cat. Oral tumors frequently go unnoticed by the pets’ owners until the tumor reaches a fairly advanced stage of development, making it more difficult to treat successfully. A variety of lesions may occur, including benign and malignant conditions. Non-cancerous masses and swellings such as gingival hyperplasia and infectious conditions may be confused with oral tumors. Conversely, oral malignancies may present as non-healing, ulcerated sores instead of “typical” prominent masses. Early recognition of suspicious swellings or persistent sores is critical and, when evident, should be brought to the attention of the veterinarian. Recently developed surgical techniques for removing oral tumors and radiotherapy are now available. These techniques often give excellent results, both in terms of cosmetic appearance and prognosis, provided they are applied at an early stage.

The same type of oral cancer that frequently occurs in man, is also the most common type in the dog

Conclusion:

A greater awareness of dental disease in the dog amongst veterinary practitioners and pet owners will greatly contribute to the early recognition and prevention of dental problems, in particular periodontal disease. This is important, because periodontal disease may have a serious impact on a pet’s well-being and general health. Great advances have been made in veterinary dentistry and a wide spectrum of dental therapeutic options are now available.

What Do You Do NOW?

Call the clinic or request an appointment through your pet portal to have your pets teeth evaluated.

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Clinic Hours

Monday - Tuesday7:00 AM — 7:00 PM
Wednesday7:00 AM — 8:00 PM
Thursday - Friday7:00 AM — 7:00 PM
Saturday8:00 AM — 1:00 PM
SundayClosed

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ATTENTION

COVID 19 UPDATE- 11-3-2020

ALL CLIENTS ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR MASKS WHEN BRINGING YOUR PET TO THE DOOR OR PICKING YOUR PET UP.

MILL CREEK ANIMAL CLINIC WILL CONTINUE CONCIERGE CURBSIDE SERVICE FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE. WE CONTINUE TO MAKE ADJUSTMENTS TO MAKE THIS AN EFFICIENT STRESS FREE PROCESS.  WE WILL EMAIL YOU BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT FOR INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR PETS VISIT.  WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT MILL CREEK ANIMAL CLINIC, PARK IN FRONT OF THE CLINIC OR ONE OF OUR DESIGNATED SPOTS IN THE REAR OF THE BUILDING AND CALL 708-361-6002.  ONE OF OUR TECHNICIANS WILL CHECK YOU IN AND GET ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION NEEDED.  WE WILL THEN ASK YOU TO MEET US AT THE DOOR WITH YOUR PET . WE WILL BRING YOUR PET INTO THE HOSPITAL WHERE THE DOCTOR WILL  ASSESS AND PROVIDE TREATMENTS, THEN CONTACT YOU TO DISCUSS EXAM FINDINGS.  PLEASE WAIT IN YOUR CAR AND DO NOT LEAVE THE PARKING LOT!  ONCE ALL SERVICES ARE COMPLETE, THE TECHNICIAN WILL AGAIN ASK YOU TO MEET AT THE CURB AND RETURN YOUR PET TO YOU.

WE ARE ALL FEAR FREE CERTIFIED DOCTORS, SO REST ASSURED WE DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO PROVIDE THE MOST STRESS FREE VISIT POSSIBLE FOR YOU AND YOUR PET!

ALL FEES ARE DUE AT THE TIME OF SERVICE.  OUR RECEPTIONIST WILL STORE YOUR CREDIT CARD IN OUR ENCRYPTED COMPLIANT CREDIT CARD SERVER AND CHARGES WILL BE APPLIED AT THE COMPLETION OF THE VISIT.  RECEIPTS AND INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE EMAILED THE SAME DAY.

TELEMEDICINE, PHONE CONSULTATIONS AND PROGRESS CALLS, AS WELL AS EMAIL CONSULTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR EXISTING CLIENTS ONLY.  FEES WILL APPLY.

FOOD AND MEDICATION REFILLS ARE AVAILABLE FOR CURBSIDE PICKUP, OR USE OUR ONLINE PHARMACY (ON THE MENU BAR) FOR MEDICATIONS DELIVERED TO YOUR HOME.

PATIENCE PLEASE!  AS THE COVID CRISIS DRAGS ON, THERE HAS BEEN AN INCREASE IN SHORT TEMPERS.  WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU, AND WE ARE DOING OUR BEST TO MAKE THE PROCESS SWIFT AND EFFICIENT.  BUT THIS IS MEDICINE, AND EMERGENCIES HAPPEN.  RUDE BEHAVIOR IS NOT ACCEPTABLE ANYWHERE,  AND ANYONE WHO DOES NOT CONDUCT THEMSELVES ACCORDINGLY WILL BE ASKED TO SEEK CARE ELSEWHERE .

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FOR THE MOST UP TO DATE INFORMATION, PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE MILL CREEK ANIMAL CLINIC APP IN APPLE STORE AND GOOGLE PLAY.

—
Jay Whittle, DVM
Mill Creek Animal Clinic

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