Dog Dentist

[Erny]

My 2.5yo boy, who went off eating bones at least 1 year ago, has teeth that are going really skanky and need attention and I'd like to have this dealt with asap.

I'm not sure what I should do. Go to my normal Vet or go to a dental specialist in case there is more work other than just a clean that needs to be done.

Whilst I'm pondering on that one, I was wondering who would be a good dental specialist to go to. I'm in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne and have been to Hallam Vet Clinic for dental work on my previous (avatar) girl (bhcs) - that would be about 5 or more years ago - but couldn't really tell you if what was done was anything more or less than a general Vet might do.

Also, I have a question as to whether it is completely necessary to use GA for a dental clean or whether a sedation would suffice? Is one better than the other?

So I'm after some general thoughts and opinions if you would care to share .

Edited March 1, 2011 by Erny

[karly101]

For a routine clean your regular vet should have all the equipment (scaler and polisher)... I have heard good recommendations for Dr. David Clare (http://www.dentalcareforpets.com.au/) who does specialise in dentistry.

I'm not aware of any vets doing it under sedation, it would be a bit risky imo as you want to put an ET tube in to keep the airway secure and prevent fluids/debris going down the throat. But of course with any GA there are risks involved...

My sisters dog who I'm minding (3 years) has decided he does not like bones - I put him on the Hills T/D (50% of his daily diet) and that has done a pretty good job of keeping his teeth ok whilst I work on him accepting tooth brush + paste and perhaps a dental a few years down the track as I'm also trying to reduce the need for GA until it is necessary. I was just trialling it but have been pretty happy with the results.

[Erny]

Thanks Karly101. I kick myself that I didn't get on to this sooner. I think with all the troubles I have had with him, it didn't enter my mind to start teeth cleaning regime as soon as I should have. That, and I didn't expect his teeth to become so bad so quickly. He's ok with teeth cleaning but what I'm doing doesn't make a dint towards getting them clean, so it will be the Veterinary dental clean and then maintenance on my part from there. I can't feed the T/D due to his digestive issues, nor can I use the paste (although was informed the paste is mainly for taste rather than it doing anything to assist cleaning).

Appreciate the explanation as to why GA is necessary for dental work.

I'm probably being paranoid - I just have an awful gut feeling on it for this boy. But what needs to be done, needs to be done.

[Stitch]

I can't recommend a vet as I live in Qld however I can recommend that you go to a dental specialist.

I was concerned about my older girls teeth which I had done last year & I was soooo pleased that I paid the extra to get a dental specialist to do the job as she needed two extractions and had been in pain for a while.

I had got the local vet (that I used to think was OK) to look at her teeth every time I took her to him and he just kept saying they were OK and didn't need any treatment.

She used to sit in front of me and lick the air (pain).

I took matters into my own hands and took her along to a dental specialist to get his opinion.

He said she needed urgent attention!!!

After the specialist had cleaned her teeth and done the extractions she stopped licking the air!!

Also the dental specialist used a special kind of 'human grade' anaesthetic that was more readily tolerated and she came through it just fine.

I know not all vets are the same but it did reinforce my belief of going to someone who specialises in a certain problem whenever I can.

[poodlefan]

Scaling teeth is like changing light bulbs for most vets - a very common procedure.

If that's all that's required, I'd go to your trusted vet.

[stormie]

Scaling teeth is like changing light bulbs for most vets - a very common procedure.

If that's all that's required, I'd go to your trusted vet.

+1

And these days, anaesthesia is very safe and in fact I would prefer anaesthesia over sedation in my boy, if that makes you feel better!

[Staff'n'Toller]

Scaling teeth is like changing light bulbs for most vets - a very common procedure.

If that's all that's required, I'd go to your trusted vet.

+1

And these days, anaesthesia is very safe and in fact I would prefer anaesthesia over sedation in my boy, if that makes you feel better!

Totally agree.

Must be done under gas with an ET tube to stop water going any further down the throat.

[poodlefan]

The only question I ask myself when my dogs are due for dental work is what else might be required or done while they're under.

[Inevitablue]

For a routine clean your regular vet should have all the equipment (scaler and polisher)... I have heard good recommendations for Dr. David Clare (http://www.dentalcareforpets.com.au/) who does specialise in dentistry.

If thats David Clarke, I had a pulp cap put on my dog's canine tooth many years ago, at Sydney Uni. He knew dentistry backards, but for just a scale and a few minor extractions I'd stick with my normal vet. I do remember him saying that canines were a nightmare to extract tho.

GA vs sedation.... are the dogs remotely aware of whats happening around them with just sedation? (lol.... stuff that! I know I'd opt for the GA for myself everytime over sedation)

[Erny]

Thanks everyone.

Ok - with your help I've established that GA is definitely the way to go. I guess it will be one way to rid myself of this feeling that I've been harbouring in relation to GA and besides, it's just something that needs to be done regardless.

[cavNrott]

Erny, if you want a dental specialist Steven (or Stephen) Coles was/is at the Sandringham Vet Clinic. Not sure if he's still there because it's years since we went there. He extracted two carnassial molars from my elderly GSD. He did a brilliant job. The vet wouldn't touch the teeth because he was worried about breaking the jaw in such an elderly dog.

Maybe Google or the phone directory will tell you if he's still practicing from Sandringham.

Edited March 1, 2011 by cavNrott

[Erny]

Thanks cavNrott. That's helpful.

Can't say I have a "trusted" Vet. Not that they've all not been good, but I have Vets whom I have seen for specific reasons, but not one who has looked after the over-all general care of my dog. I don't think I'd be the easiest client in the world to have either - I have too many of my own thoughts/opinions (even though I'm aware they are layperson opinions and do allow leeway for that fact) and I question things and I don't know that many Vets like/appreciate/understand that.

I was thinking about Dr Bob Cavey and meaning to contact him. I understand he's got a pretty good reputation too, although to my knowledge, not a Dental Specialist as such.

Edited March 1, 2011 by Erny

[Tassie]

Erny, FWIW, I saw Dr David Clarke with Rory a couple of years ago - just to check up on a staining on one of his teeth. I didn't think he was too expensive, for a specialist, and I really liked his manner with the dog.

Whichever way you decide to go, I would spend a little time discussing your concerns and options over GA - a good practitioner should IMO be willing to spend a little time exploring and explaining options.