The Ark Veterinary Practice
41 Connaught Road, Fleet, , GU51 3LR United Kingdom
Tel: 01252 616 185

Dentistry

Veterinary dentistry is one of the fastest growing fields in veterinary medicine. Recently there have been advances particularly in preventative dentistry.

At the Ark we have advanced dental equipment including a high pressure work station. This is very similar to the equipment used by human dentists and has various attachments. When your pet is booked in to the vets for a 'dental' then the following procedure will be carried out. The sonic scaler head enables tartar to be removed both above and below the gum line. Teeth are then probed to detect any defects in the enamel or in the tissues holding them within their sockets. Any teeth that are beyond repair will be extracted. Carnivore teeth have very deep roots and the larger teeth have several roots each. A high powered drill on the work station enables the teeth to be split before extraction and this reduces the amount of trauma to surrounding tissues. After all necessary extractions have been performed the teeth are polished with another attachment, the high speed polisher. This will smooth out any microscopic scratches in the enamel to slow down the accumulation of plaque and tartar in the future. The mouth is then rinsed and excess fluid suctioned away. All dental work that has been done is charted. For any specialised dental procedures that may be necessary, fillings, root canal work and orthodontic treatment are now available for animals, we offer referral to a veterinary dentist.

As well as dogs and cats, rabbits also often require dental treatment. Rabbits teeth are continually growing and continually wearing down as the rabbit chews. This means that any misalignment of their teeth will have serious consequences on their ability to eat. Each tooth in a rabbits mouth has an opposing tooth which it must wear on. If it does not then the tooth will become overgrown and can grow into the tender tissues of the mouth and tongue. The drill attachment on the work station allows rabbit teeth to be reshaped to enable them to eat again. This procedure is something that many rabbits require repeatedly as their teeth are continually growing.

After a pet has had some dental work they will come back, usually a week later, for a check up. The nurse or the vet will check that any extractions sites have healed, that the mouth is comfortable and that the pet is eating. Advice is given too on home dental care. Dental work carried out at the surgery is only the beginning, the most important part of dental care is that which owners can do at home. Brushing your pets teeth is the most effective way of maintaining dental health and veterinary nurses are able to advise clients on the best technique and help them introduce their pet to the toothbrush. Specialised veterinary diets, chews and pastes are also available to help keep teeth clean. Pets teeth will be checked yearly when they have their annual booster but if you ever feel that your pet may have a problem with his or her mouth, or suffers with bad breath then it is definitely worth booking an appointment with the vet or nurse to see if there are any dental problems.



The Ark Veterinary Practice
41 Connaught Road, Fleet, , GU51 3LR United Kingdom
Tel: 01252 616 185