The ABCs of veterinary dentistry collection

When you're smilin', the whole world smiles with you. (Getty Images)We've gathered together all of the articles in the ongoing ABCs of veterinary dentistry series by Jan Bellows, DVM, DAVDC, DABVP, FAVD, in one place. Your chance to brush up on all of your dental skills!

A to C (that's "A" for anethesia, and "BC" for basics concepts of operative dentistry)

The start of an alphabetic journey through the management of our veterinary patients' oral problems.

"D" is for dentistry

The fun continues on our alphabetic journey through the management of our veterinary patients' oral problems.

"E" is for enamel

Make sure your knowledge of what can go wrong with this natural tooth covering-the hardest substance in the body-isn't too superficial.

"F" is for furcation disease

A buildup of calculus and plaque in this area can make a tooth prone to attachment loss, causing serious, painful disease if not caught early.

"G" is for gingiva

As you are readily familiar, if this vital oral tissue that protects the teeth becomes inflamed, a progressive and painful disease can develop if not halted with good dental care.

"H" is for hair havoc

When hair becomes embedded in the oral cavities of your veterinary patients, it can cause inflammation and the destruction of periodontal attachment. Know where to look for it, how to treat it and how to keep it from recurring.  

"I" is for informed consent

An in-depth look at what can go wrong during a dental procedure and how much to share with veterinary clients.

"J" is for jaw fractures

It's all smooth sailing until a maxilla or mandible mishap. Here's some help on navigating the sometimes scary course of jaw fracture repair.

"K" is for kick starting your dental practice

We're almost halfway through the alphabet. It's time for a pep talk on the absolute good dental care does for your patients.

"L" is for "Looks like we're too late"

Dr. Bellows asks whether we're emphasizing prevention enough in the dental care of our patients.

"M" is for malposition and malocclusion

In veterinary medicine, the goal of orthodontic correction isn't a pretty smile but pain-free, functional occlusion.

"N" is for no

By nature of the alphabet, we must get through all of the noes in veterinary dentistry before we can reach the yeses-but that doesn't mean you won't feel positively inspired to better your dental practices after reading.

"O" is for oral masses of the benign kind

Observing a growth in a dog or cat's mouth doesn't have to be an ‘Oh, no!' moment. With careful planning, cytology, histopathology and proper surgical margins, removing benign masses carries an excellent prognosis.

"O" is for oral masses of the malignant kind

The histopathology report from the oral biopsy came back as malignant-now what? Surgery? Radiation? Chemotherapy? Watchful waiting?

"P" is for periodontal pockets

Do you know how to help patients with pockets? Get the lowdown on subgingival cleaning, laser gingivectomy and locally applied antimicrobials and sealants.

"Q" is for quality, not quantity

Has the flurry of dental appointments that accompanies Pet Dental Health Month compromised the careful dental care of our patients? Let's take a look at the true meaning of Q in veterinary dentistry.

"R" is for retained primary deciduous teeth

Attention to persistent primary teeth is essential to the dental health of our patients, especially smaller breeds such as Maltese, Yorkshire terriers, Pomeranians and miniature Schnauzers.

"S" is for supernumerary teeth

Extra! Extra! Read all about how when it comes to excess teeth, more isn't always merrier for your veterinary patients.

"T" is for treatment

While therapy for oral health problems can be challenging, it's also very important for patient wellbeing. A good place to start? The four Rs: recheck, remove, repair or refer.