The gold standard for dental imaging has long been digital intra-oral radiographs. This diagnostic tool gives us a 2-dimensional view of the hard tissues under the gumline. This includes the bone the tooth roots and other anatomic structures such as sinuses, foramina (where nerves and...
One of the most common questions we receive during the time of consultation is, “What is the post-anesthesia recovery for pets?" While anesthesia, recovery from anesthesia, and post-operative healing look different for every patient, there are a few key details that are useful in ensuring...
We all have a genuine fear of losing teeth. Vanity aside, when we see people with missing teeth, we can visualize facial changes associated with this (bone loss) and we run home to brush our teeth and floss just to make sure it doesn't happen...
I am often asked, "does hard food help to prevent plaque in dogs?" and the answer is actually more complex than you would think. The answer partially depends on your pet's diet plan. Statistically, there is no difference between feeding canned food and non-dental diet-specific...
Antibiotics – they are, at times, essential for life. There was a time in our not-so-distant past, where medical professionals, both veterinary and human, reached for oral antibiotics for almost any disease. Unfortunately, this led to significant antibiotic resistance that we are all now all...
Hand scaling your pet's teeth, a practice commonly known as "at-home dental care" for pets, can be detrimental to both your pet's oral health and your own well-being. While it may seem like a cost-effective and convenient way to maintain your pet's dental hygiene, there...
Dr. Briggs and I see a lot of cats that have generalized gingivitis, gingivostomatitis, and/or tooth resorption. In each of these cases, the treatment plan is to remove the affected teeth. With the first two disease processes, surgical extraction of all teeth (or sometimes behind...
It’s that time of year again, can you believe it? Time to talk about the holidays, end of year celebrations, and of course of all the delicious feasts we get to enjoy between now and January. Thanksgiving brings families and friends together for some of...
We live in a society where most of us have some form of health insurance coverage, while fewer have dental and vision coverage. Many employers give you basic health care and then you have to add on the broader coverage. Thankfully, this avoids catastrophic costs...
I played tug of war with my dog for years and years, until I started my dental residency. Then, I learned that tug of war is bad for my dog, specifically their canine teeth. Now, I preach to veterinary practitioners the need to stress avoidance...