Tula was seen for her annual exam in February 2019. The veterinarian noted the significant tartar buildup on her teeth, and recommended a dental scaling and polishing. Tula’s owner scheduled the procedure a month later.
Tartar buildup on teeth
Tula’s treatment consisted of:
1) Scale and polish, Stage 2
2) Application of OraVet Gel
“Scaling and polishing 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/
OraVet Gel helps prevent plaque accumulation in both cats and dogs. The OraVet gel provides a protective coating on the pet’s teeth that decreases plaque accumulation at the gingival margin and doesn’t disappear after tooth brushing or eating hard food. The gel is odorless, tasteless, and invisible once applied. The veterinarian or technician applies the gel along the marginal gingiva of clean, dry teeth while the animal is anesthetized during a dental cleaning.
Itemized Procedures:
Anesthesia $125
IV catheter placement $40
Intravenous fluids $50
Fluid pump $25
Scale and polish, stage 2 $95
Ampicillin (antibiotic) injection, qty 0.4, $12.40
OraVet gel application $35
Carprofen 25mg tablet (analgesic/pain relief, take home) $12
TOTAL COST: $394.40
Tula’s story is shared with the permission of her owner.
This story was posted by Suzanne Cannon on behalf of Jarrettsville Veterinary Center.
Tula did well! Fortunately she didn’t need to have any teeth extracted. Her owner was instructed to begin brushing Tula’s teeth daily, after 2 weeks. This is because the OraVet Gel repels plaque for 2 weeks. After that, Tula will need to have her teeth brushed.
