Dental Treatments

Dental X-rays can detect diseases located not on the tooth crown, but in the area of the tooth root and the surrounding jawbone. Since these constitute a large proportion of all dental diseases, they remain hidden during examination with a dental probe and cannot be detected without an X-ray image.

A radiological examination using an X-ray sensor placed in the oral cavity allows for an overlap-free visualization of individual teeth. This enables assessment of whether a deeper dental disease is present and what type of treatment should be applied. This is particularly important for cats. In these animals, there is an immune-mediated disease that leads to the dissolution of tooth enamel (Resorptive Lesions - RL or FORL). There are two basic forms, which are treated entirely differently and can only be distinguished from each other through dental X-rays. Therefore, if a dental examination or treatment is planned for a cat, all teeth should be X-rayed. For dogs, too, there are many cases where X-raying teeth is necessary for a clear diagnosis.

Digitales Zahnröntgen beim Tier — Röntgenaufnahme der Schneidezähne mit sichtbaren Zahnwurzeln, Tierarztpraxis Sonnenallee Berlin

Dental X-rays

Dental plaque hardens into tartar if not regularly removed by brushing. The bacteria multiplying within it are harmful to teeth and gums, which can quickly lead to gingivitis (gum inflammation). If tartar is not removed and gingivitis is left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis, a bacterial infection of the tooth-supporting structures. In addition to tooth loss, long-term consequences for the entire organism (heart valves/liver/kidneys) are also a risk.

Therefore, regular professional dental cleaning and periodontitis prophylaxis for dogs and cats, just as for humans, are crucial for their health.

During tartar removal, plaque is eliminated using an ultrasonic scaler, with our modern equipment employing various ultrasonic tips. In some areas, manual scaling is also performed with a scaler. Since the tooth surface can be roughened after cleaning, we conclude with a thorough polishing of the teeth. This smooth surface thus slows down the re-accumulation of plaque.

Chihuahua hält eine blaue Zahnbürste im Maul — Zahnpflege beim Hund, Tierarztpraxis Sonnenallee Berlin Neukölln

Dental Cleaning - Prophylaxis

 
Zahnbehandlung beim Hund — saubere Zähne nach professioneller Zahnreinigung und Prophylaxe, Tierarztpraxis Sonnenallee Berlin Neukölln

Tooth Extractions - Dental Surgeries

For dogs and cats, tooth extractions are performed as a simple removal with forceps only for very loose teeth. Teeth that are still firmly seated are extracted through surgical operation. Especially the deeply rooted and very firmly seated canine and carnassial teeth of dogs, as well as most cat teeth, which have very fragile roots, are best extracted surgically. For this, the gum is lifted from the jawbone after an incision at the transition to the tooth crown. The bone above the roots of the teeth to be removed is resected, and the tooth is separated into its root components. These can then be removed without great force and without the risk of leaving root fragments. Afterward, the wound is neatly closed by suturing the gum flap.