Why do a dental?

     Just like humans, cats need regular dental care in order to maintain oral health.  Excess tartar can cause periodontal disease which can lead to gingivitis and periodontitis.  If not treated, these conditions can lead to bone loss, tooth decay, and infection, which can result in liver, kidney and heart disease.  If tartar is not controlled, dental disease is incurable; however with early treatment it is preventable. 

What is involved in a routine dental? 

     A dental for your cat is similar to what you have done at the dentist's office if you went for a routine cleaning. Unfortunately, your cat is not likely to open up and say "AAH" for us, so your cat will have to be anesthetized for the procedure.  Therefore, all risks that are involved with general anesthesia will apply.  All cats under anesthesia have an IV catheter placed in case IV fluids or medications need to be administered.  Their vital signs are closely monitored throughout the procedure.  If there are no complications, your cat should be able to return home the same evening.

     A routine dentistry consists of three parts: scaling, polishing, and flouride treatment.  Scaling of the tooth removes the tartar from the crown, or visible part, and the sub gingival area of the tooth.  At this point the teeth and gums are closely examined by the doctor to determine whether any further treatment is required.  If not, a polish is then applied.  This fills in any irregular surfaces left behind by the scaler.  Once all surfaces of the teeth are polished, a flouride treatment is then applied to help strenghthen enamel, prevent tartar from building, and possibly desensitize the teeth. 

 Why are dental X-rays needed?

     If abnormalities of the teeth or gums are observed, dental x-rays may be required to determine the status of the existing tooth, particularly the roots.  There are several different findings that would warrant taking dental x-rays.  Chipped or fractured teeth, areas of gingivitis, or gingival pockets (pockets of dead space under the gums) should be x-rayed.  Extra teeth, teeth in abnormal positions, or teeth that are grossly discolored may need to be x-rayed.  In addition, teeth affected by Feline Oral Resorptive Lesions (FORLs) need to be x-rayed. This is a condition where a hole forms in the tooth at the gum line.  Sometimes FORLs are visible and other times they are only found when probing the teeth. Once dental x-rays have been taken, the extent of the damage to the involved teeth can be assessed and a decision can be made regarding the future of the tooth. 

Why are extractions necessary? 

     With the help of dental x-rays, the decision will be made as to whether or not an abnormal or diseased tooth needs to be extracted.  Several conditions may result in the need for a tooth extraction.  Fractured teeth with involvement of the roots need to be extracted.  Any tooth that has an abscess at the root will need to be taken out.  The only treatment for Feline Oral Resorptive Lesions (FORLs) is to extract all involved teeth.  Severe gingivitis at the gum line may require that involved teeth be removed.  In addition, any extra or abnormally positioned teeth that are interfering with other teeth will need to be extracted.  

What kind of care will my cat need following the dental? 

     Your cat's gums will probably be tender even after a routine dental.  We recommend feeding your cat soft food for 1-2 days after a routine dentistry to avoid discomfort.  If teeth were extracted, your cat will most likely be sent home on pain medication.  Administer the medication as directed.  Following a dental extraction, we recommend feeding your cat soft food for 7-10 days to allow the gums to heal.  Your cat may need to be seen for a follow up visit about a week after extraction(s) to ensure that the gums are healing properly.  After the gums are healed, your cat should be able to return to his normal diet, including dry food.

     We recommend home dental care when possible.  If your cat will tolerate it, we recommend brushing his teeth at home once daily.  You can purchase a kit including tooth paste and a finger brush at the office.  If your cat will not tolerate the brushing, the alternative would be to apply an antibacterial gel which adheres to the gums and promotes oral health.  The gel can also be purchased at the office.