Isabelle came into the clinic for her annual physical exam. When her mouth was examined, the veterinarian noted that she had “severe dental disease: missing most teeth, tartar, gingivitis, gingival erosion of remaining teeth with some mobility.” It was recommended that Isabelle be scheduled for a dental scaling and polishing, along with any necessary extractions of diseased/damaged teeth.
Severe dental disease.
1.) Scale and polish, stage 2.
“Stage 2” means there are signs of early periodontitis, which is inflammation of the gums and the supporting structures of the teeth. Periodontal disease can cause loosening of teeth. Periodontitis is caused by certain bacteria (known as periodontal bacteria) and by the local inflammation triggered by those bacteria. Although these periodontal bacteria are naturally present in the mouth, they are only harmful when the conditions are right for them to increase dramatically in numbers. This happens when a layer of bacteria and food debris, known as plaque, builds up and is left undisturbed on the teeth, commonly in hard-to-reach areas such as between the teeth.
For more information about dental disease in pets, visit the American Veterinary Dental College web site topic “For Pet Owners” at http://avdc.org/AFD/category/for-pet-owners/
2.) Multiple tooth extractions (6 teeth.)
Itemized costs for Isabelle’s dental scaling, polishing and extractions:
Anesthesia: $125
Anesthesia, additional 45 minutes: $67.50
IV catheter placement: $40
Intravenous fluids: $50
Fluid pump: $25
Scale and polish, stage 2: $95
Tooth extraction, single root (3 teeth): $75
Canine tooth extraction, surgical (2 teeth): $250
Tooth extraction, 3 root elevated (1 tooth): $50
Ampicillin injection (Poly-Flex) (antibiotic) $10.96
Carprofen 25mg tablets (analgesic/pain relief – take-home): $11
TOTAL COST: $799.46
Isabelle’s story is shared with permission from her owner.
This story was posted by Suzanne Cannon on behalf of Jarrettsville Veterinary Center.
Upon recheck 2 weeks after her dental cleaning and extractions, Isabelle was doing well. While there was still evidence of “gingival erosion” (recession of gum tissue), her gums were healthy. The veterinarian recommended daily brushing of Isabelle’s teeth to prevent worsening of dental disease.
