Veterinary Dentistry is very vital in maintaining our furry friends healthy and happy. If cats and dogs develop dental issues, it can result in some very serious complications, such as infections and pain, and they won’t want to eat. Just like humans require special equipment for things such as pulling teeth, jaw surgery, and gum problems, animals do as well.

So we’re going to talk about how they use veterinary dental tools in vet dentistry, like what they use for jaw surgery and tooth extraction. And we’ll talk about how your pets’ health really relies on having good teeth and how these vet dental procedures keep them healthy.

Why Veterinary Dentistry Matters for the Dental Health of Animals

You know, many people don’t actually consider dental care for pets, but it’s really important for their health overall. Veterinary specialists report that over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats develop some form of dental disease by the age of three. And if you don’t take care of these problems, they can lead to some pretty bad infections that target the heart, liver, and kidneys.

Some common dental issues in pets are:

• Periodontal Disease: Due to plaque and tartar accumulations, leading to gum infection and tooth loss.
• Tooth fractures: Usually caused by biting hard objects, resulting in exposed nerves and sensitivity.
• Malocclusions: Teeth that do not meet properly, interfering with eating and causing pain.
• Jaw Abnormalities: Disorders like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders or mandibular fractures, which need surgery.

These conditions are not only treated but also prevented through regular cleaning and surgery if and when required. The instruments are used correctly, which leads to these being carried out both effectively and safely.

Surgical Instrument and their Uses: Critical Surgical Instruments in Veterinary Dentistry

Veterinary dental surgery involves specialized instruments designed to fit the anatomy of various animal species. Among the most critical surgical instruments utilized in veterinary dentistry are:

1. Extraction Forceps

Extraction forceps are used to grasp and extract teeth from the socket. The veterinary extraction forceps are more delicate and lighter than human extraction forceps, providing greater control in an animal’s small mouth space. A few of the variations include:

• Standard Extraction Forceps: Used for grasping and extracting intact teeth.
• Root Tip Forceps: Used for extracting broken tooth roots.

2. Dental Elevators and Luxators

Elevators and luxators are essential in loosening teeth prior to extraction. They function by cutting the periodontal ligament, thus reducing trauma during extraction.

• Winged Elevators: For deep penetration along the tooth root.
• Luxators: Sharp, slender instruments for cutting through ligaments with minimal bone loss.

3. Periodontal Probes and Scalers

Although not technically surgical instruments, periodontal probes and scalers are necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease.

• Probes: To measure the depth of periodontal pockets to evaluate gum disease.
• Scalers: To remove plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces.

4. High-Speed Dental Drills

Teeth may be sectioned prior to extraction, such as in multi-rooted teeth. High-speed dental drills are utilized for:

• Sectioning teeth to facilitate easy removal.
• Smoothing rough bone edges following extraction.

5. Bone Rongeurs and Surgical Curettes

For more extensive cases, particularly jaw surgery, curettes and bone rongeurs are required.

• Bone Ronguers: To dislodge fragments of bone or recontour the jaw when traumatized.
• Surgical Curettes: Remove infected or damaged tissue within the tooth socket following an extraction.

6. Suturing Instruments

Wound closure needs to be made with precision for healing after extractions or jaw surgery. Suturing is most commonly carried out with the following instruments:

• Needle Holders: Provide a hold on the needle in suturing the gum tissue.
• Absorbable sutures: Employed to close wounds within the mouth to minimize removal later.

Advanced Surgical Procedures in Veterinary Dentistry

There are some dental procedures in veterinary dentistry that go beyond tooth extraction. Some of the advanced surgeries that use special instruments are:

1. Repair of Jaw Fracture

Household pets, particularly dogs and cats, get jaw fractures from trauma, falls, or hard chewing. Repair of jaw fracture is accomplished by:

• Bone plates and screws: To stabilize and allow healing of the fracture.
• External Fixators: Used when internal fixation is not possible.

2. Root Canal Therapy

Instead of extracting a bad tooth, root canals are performed to salvage it by some vet dentists. These include:

• Endodontic Files: For the extraction of the infected pulp inside the tooth.
• Filling Materials: To seal the tooth to prevent further decay.

3. Oral Tumor Removal

Oral tumors that must be removed surgically can occur in pets. Instruments used for these procedures are:

• Electrosurgical Units: For precise removal of tissue.
• Bone Cutting Forceps: To remove infected segments of the jaw if necessary.

The Connection Between Pet Oral Health and General Wellness

Bad oral health doesn’t only result in bad breath—it can cause potentially life-threatening situations. Here’s why:

1. Avoiding Systemic Infections

Bacteria from infections of the teeth can travel through the bloodstream, causing diseases such as bacterial endocarditis (heart valve infection).

2. Ensuring Proper Nutrition

Dental discomfort may hinder eating for pets, causing weight loss and malnourishment. A prompt dental treatment allows pets to chew comfortably.

3. Enhancing Quality of Life

Untreated dental illness frequently causes persistent pain in pets, resulting in changes in their behavior, like irritability and less playfulness.

4. Preventing Organ Damage

Bad oral health is associated with kidney, liver, and heart disease. Periodic cleanings and required extractions avoid complications.

Conclusion: Investing in Veterinary Dentistry for Healthier Pets

Investing in veterinary dentistry doesn’t always mean it is about making the pets look neat and tidy. It is actually part of overall pet health, and investment in good quality surgery equipment allows pet owners to assist veterinarians to get them to carry out procedures that are infection control-related, pain alleviation, and all-around healthier pets.

At Hasni Surgical, we are aware that the best quality veterinary instruments play an essential role in the success of dental surgeries. Our accuracy-designed extraction forceps, elevators, and surgery instruments allow veterinarians to provide the optimum level of care to their patients.

By taking care of the oral health of their pets, owners can get their pets healthy and happy. 

Dental checkups, professional cleaning, and obligatory operations—conducted using proper equipment—need to be carried out in order to maintain a pet in overall good health.

Are you interested in hearing about our series of veterinary dental equipment? Telephone us today for more information!