Small Animal Dental Equipment, Materials, and Techniques,
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This text is personally dedicated to Allison, my wife; our children Wendi, David, and Lauren; our pets present and
past – Pepper, Daisy, Chelsea, Lacey, Bailey, Casey, Mollie, Dylan, and Rylee; and to my colleagues, associates, patients,
and clients, from whom I have learned so much.
The text is professionally dedicated to Dr. Peter Emily, an educator, friend, and a wonderful person.
Dr. Emily is an accomplished human dentist with a career spanning over 50 years. He received his Doctor of Dental
Surgery at Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska and his Certificate of Periodontology from the University of
Pennsylvania. Dr. Emily later went on to receive his postgraduate certification in pediatric dentistry, endodontics, oral
surgery, and restorative/prosthetic dentistry from the Dental Division of Denver General Hospital. When Dr. Emily
graduated from dental school in the 1960s, the standard operating procedure for animal dentistry was limited to clean-
ing and extractions.
Through Dr. Emily’s efforts, in the mid‐1980s, Colorado State University was the first school to offer a course in
veterinary dentistry to students and practitioners. He currently holds the position of faculty affiliate of animal dentistry
at Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. He also is a past dental faculty affiliate at the University of
Missouri at Columbia, and is director of exotic animal dentistry at the Denver Zoological Gardens.
Dr. Emily is an honorary Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College and an honorary Fellow of the
Academy of Veterinary Dentistry. Further, Dr. Emily is past president of the American Veterinary Dental Society
(AVDS) and was instrumental in the creation of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry as well as the American Veterinary
Dental College (AVDC). He helped develop and administer the initial Academy of Veterinary Dentistry (AVD) entrance
exam and the three‐part exam for acceptance into the American Veterinary Dental College. Additionally, Dr. Emily
designed the logo and the pins for the AVDS, AVD, and AVDC, for the review and assessment exam, and also hand-
casts the custom gold medallions for the research and education award.
Dr. Emily became involved with judging show dogs, and with his years of experience shared findings on canine
malocclusion and inherited defects in the veterinary literature. When not working in the mouths of people and ani-
mals, Dr. Emily serves as the dental consultant and conformation judge for the American Kennel Club. Dr. Emily has
also worked extensively on the biomechanics of movement and kinesiology.
The Denver Zoo has also called upon Dr. Emily to perform surgery on the beaks on hornbills and toucans, as well as
caring for kangaroos, lions, tigers, wild dogs, polar bears, grizzlies, and orangutans. In the early days, many zoos did
not have the proper facilities for working on exotic animals, so improvisation was key. A perfect example of Dr. Emily
thinking quickly on his feet was while aiding the Denver Zoo, he used a hydraulic lift of a pickup truck to lift a polar
bear during a surgical root canal. Although retired, Dr. Emily continues to work with the Denver Zoo, Siegfried and
Roy, Deer Creek Animal Hospital, and on many interesting cases placed in front of this ever‐curious innovator and
lover of animals.
Dr. Emily has authored and coauthored three veterinary dental textbooks and many dental articles. He has lectured
extensively on all phases of animal dentistry for over 40 years to veterinary groups and dog clubs throughout the USA,
Europe, Australia, New Zealand, China, Brazil, and Japan. In addition, he has also conducted research and development
of veterinary dental medicaments and oral health aids.
Dr. Emily’s desire to care for the untreated painful oral conditions in animals housed in wildlife sanctuaries resulted
his initial funding and creation of the Peter Emily International Veterinary Dental Foundation (PEIVDF). Together
with board‐certified veterinary dentists, human dentists, and students, the foundation has treated over 500 animals in
20 sanctuaries.
vii
Contents
About the Author xvii
Foreword xix
Preface xxi
Acknowledgements xxiii
1 The Dental Operatory 1
Space 1
Electricity, Water, and Drainage 1
Ergonomics 2
The Operatory 2
Adjustable Stools/Chairs 2
Built‐in Desk 6
Powered Dental Delivery Systems 6
Electric 6
Air/Gas‐Driven 8
Compressor 10
Storage Tank 10
Assembly Delivery System 10
Storage 11
Lighting 11
Dental Loupes (Telescopes) 13
Radiography 15
CR (Computed Radiography) Technology 15
DR (Digital Radiography) Technology 16
General Anesthesia 16
ASA Scoring 16
Patient Monitoring Devices 17
Blood Pressure (BP) 20
End‐Tidal Carbon Dioxide (ETCO2) 21
Pulse Oximetry (SpO2) 24
Electrocardiography (EKG) 25
Respiration 25
Temperature 26
Regional Analgesia 26
Benefits of Regional Anesthesia 26
Indications for Regional Anesthesia 27
Contraindications for Local and Regional Anesthesia 27
Onset of Action 27
Duration 27
Regional Anesthesia Equipment 27
Dosage 27
Injection Precautions 27
viii Contents
Technique 28
Infraorbital Nerve Block 28
Caudal Maxillary Nerve Block 29
Middle Mental Nerve Block 31
Caudal Mandibular (Inferior Alveolar) Nerve Block 31
Further Reading 32
2 Equipment, Instruments, and Materials for Operative Dentistry 37
quipment and Material Recommendations Based on the Level of Dental Care 37
E
Diagnostics for Basic Dentistry 37
Dental Charts 37
Dental Explorer 37
Periodontal Probe 37
Dental Mirror 37
Mouth Props 37
Operator Safety Equipment 40
Dental Scaling, Irrigation and Polishing Equipment, Instruments, and Techniques 40
Hand Instruments (Scalers and Curettes) for Plaque and Calculus Removal 40
Sickle Scaler 40
Calculus Removal Forceps 41
Curettes 41
Powered Dental Scaling 42
Sonic‐ and Ultrasonic‐Assisted Dental Scaling 42
Dental Polishing Equipment and Materials 47
Sealants 50
Locally Administered Antimicrobials (LAA) 50
Extraction Instruments and Materials 50
Oral Surgery Instruments 50
Periotome 51
Mechanical Periotome 52
Periosteal Elevator 52
Dental Luxators and Dental Elevators for Extractions 52
Luxators 53
Elevators 53
Extraction Forceps 54
Root Tip Pick 54
Hand Instrument Sharpening 54
Instrument Cassette 54
Dental Handpieces 56
Low‐Speed Handpiece 56
Contra‐Angle Attachment 56
High‐Speed Handpiece 58
Burs 59
The Bur Shank 59
The Bur Head 60
Bur Types 60
Maintenance of Dental Equipment 66
Handpiece Maintenance 66
Replacing the High‐Speed Turbine 66
Low‐Speed Handpiece Cleaning Steps 67
Bur Maintenance 67
Compressor Maintenance 67
Homecare Products to Reduce the Accumulation of Plaque and Tartar (Calculus) 67
Contents ix
The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) 67
ther Homecare Products, Which May Decrease the Accumulation of Plaque and/or
O
Tartar When Used Properly 68
Toothbrush/Dentifrice 68
Wipes 68
Exam Room Educational Aides 68
Dental Models 69
Equipment and Materials for Advanced Dental Care 69
Debriding the Canal 69
Endodontic Files 70
Canal Irrigation 70
Drying the Prepared Irrigated Canal 72
Obturating the Canal 72
Filling the Prepared and Cleaned Root Canal 72
Gutta Percha 72
College‐Tipped Pliers to Handle the Paper and Gutta Percha Points 73
Retrograde Amalgam Carrier (1 mm) 73
Spreaders 73
Pluggers 73
MTA 73
Light‐Cured Glass Ionomer Liner/Base 74
Restorative Materials Used in Advanced Dental Procedures 75
Composite Resins 75
Curing Light 75
Polishing the Restoration 75
Advanced Periodontal and Oral Surgery 75
Lasers 75
Carbon Dioxide Laser (10,600 nm) 75
Diode Laser 77
Therapy Lasers (Low‐Level Laser Therapy – LLLT) 77
Laser Safety 77
Orthodontic Equipment and Materials Used in Advanced Dental Procedures 79
Alginate Used to Create Arch Impressions to Create a Dental Model 79
Boxing and Bite Registration Wax 79
Dental Casts (Study Models, Stone Models) 80
Orthodontic Buttons and Masel Chain Elastics 80
Composite Splinting Material Used in Fabrication of Inclined Plane and
Fracture Stabilization 80
Patient and Operator Infection Control 80
Further Reading 83
3 Oral Anatomy for the General Practitioner 87
he Oral Cavity 87
T
Mucosa 87
Muscles 87
Tongue 87
Innervation of the Oral Cavity 89
Blood Supply and Lymphatic Drainage 90
Salivary Glands 90
Periodontium 90
Gingiva 90
Attached Gingiva 93
Gingival Sulcus 93
x Contents
Periodontal Ligament 93
Cementum 94
Alveolar Bone 94
Cranium 95
Facium 95
Maxillae and Mandibles 95
Maxillae 95
Mandibles 97
Temporomandibular Joint 100
Teeth 100
Cat Teeth 101
Dog Teeth 102
Tooth Types and Numbers 102
Tooth Structure 105
Enamel 105
Dentin 105
Pulp 106
Tooth Eruption 108
Surfaces of Teeth and Directions in the Mouth 109
Further Reading 112
4 Dental Radiography 113
I ncorporating Dental Radiography into General Practice 113
Radiation Safety 113
ALARA 113
Personnel Monitoring 113
Radiograph Equipment 113
X‐ray Generator 114
Sensors 114
Intraoral Digital Software 116
Positioning 116
Parallel and Bisecting Angle Techniques 117
Vertical and Horizontal Angulation 118
Positioning for the Maxillary Arch 120
SLOB Rule 123
Extraoral Technique to Remove Superimposition of the Zygomatic Arch 125
Positioning for the Mandibles 126
Temporomandibular Joint 126
CT and CBCT Imaging 128
Radiograph Image Troubleshooting 128
Foreshortened Image 128
Elongated Image 128
Image Archiving 128
Radiograph Interpretation 133
Radiographic Landmarks 133
Mental Foramina and Mandibular Canal 133
Radiographic Terminology 136
The Symphysis 137
Chevron‐Shaped Lucency 137
Maxillary Sinus Radiolucencies and Densities 137
Mandibular Canal Overlay 137
Periodontal Disease 137
Horizontal Bone Loss 140
Vertical Bone Loss 140
Contents xi
Furcation Involvement and Exposure 142
Alveolar Bone Expansion (Chronic Alveolar Osteitis) 143
Tooth Extrusion 144
Endodontic Disease 144
Radiograph Evaluation for Endodontic Disease 144
Pulpitis 146
Internal Resorption 148
Endoperio Lesions 148
Perioendo Lesions 149
External Root Resorption 149
Classification of Tooth Resorption by Stages and Types 152
Classification by Tooth Resorption Types 154
Neoplastic Disease 154
Computed Tomography (CT) and Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Imaging 155
Further Reading 159
5 Charting 163
Two‐/Four‐Handed Charting 163
Step‐By‐Step Charting 163
The Conscious Exam 163
Incisor Relationship 163
Canine Relationship 185
Premolar and Molar Relationship 185
Temporomandibular Joints 185
Anesthetized Examination 185
Tooth‐By‐Tooth Examination 188
Periodontal Indices 191
Gingiva 191
The Periodontal Probe 191
Clinical Probing Depth 192
Dental Explorer 192
Furcation Disease Charting 194
Bleeding on Probing 194
Gingivitis Index 194
Tooth Mobility 194
Plaque and Calculus Accumulation 194
Crown Pathology 198
Enamel Hypoplasia 200
Enamel Hypomineralization 200
Trauma 201
Resorptions and Caries 207
Charting Abbreviations 212
Therapy Abbreviations 217
Further Reading 218
6 The Comprehensive Oral Prevention, Assessment, and Treatment Visit 221
omprehensive Oral Prevention, Assessment, and Treatment (COPAT) 221
C
Case Volume 222
Workflow 222
A Real Timeline Workflow Example 223
9:00 Examination of the Conscious Dental Patient 223
12:13 General Anesthesia for Oral Cavity and Tooth‐by‐Tooth Examination, Probing and Full‐Mouth
Intraoral Radiographs 227
12:55 Anesthetized Examination 227
xii Contents
Basic Treatment Options in Companion Animal Dentistry 227
1:16 P.M. Exam Findings and Treatment Plan Discussed with the Owner. Approval Gained for
Additional Care and Related Fees 230
1:43 P.M. Extraction Completed 230
2:36 P.M. Patient Recovered from Procedure 230
3:44 P.M. Veterinary Assistant Prepares Report to Share with Client 230
6:00 P.M. Patient Discharge and Client Discussion with Immediate Homecare Instructions 230
Plaque and Calculus Prevention 230
Efficacy of Homecare Products 231
The Veterinary Oral Health Council 231
Efficacy Through Mechanical Action 232
Efficacy Through Nonmechanical Action 235
Efficacy Through Mechanical plus Nonmechanical Actions 236
Safety of Homecare Products 236
Gastrointestinal Inflammation 237
Safety Against Tooth Fracture 237
Scheduling the Next Professional Oral Hygiene Visit 237
Further Reading 238
7 Oropharyngeal Inflammation 243
Periodontal Diseases 243
Clinical Periodontal Diseases 245
Stage 1 (PD1) Periodontal Disease – Gingivitis Inflammation of the Gingiva Without Support Loss 245
Etiology and Pathogenesis of Periodontal Disease 245
Periodontal Probing/Intraoral Radiography 245
Bleeding on Probing 246
Local Antibiotic Application 246
Diode Laser Periodontal Therapy 248
Stage 2 (PD2) Periodontal Disease – Early Periodontitis 253
Suprabony and Infrabony Pockets 253
Gingival Recession – Non‐Pocketing Periodontal Disease 256
Treatment of Gingival Recession 257
Mucogingival Surgery 257
Furcation Disease 259
Tooth Mobility 259
Stage 3 (PD3) Periodontal Disease – Moderate Periodontitis 260
Stage 4 Periodontal Disease (PD4) – Advanced Periodontitis 260
Canine Tooth Extrusion (Super Eruption) 260
Alveolar Bone Expansion (Chronic Alveolar Osteitis) 262
Oronasal Fistula 262
Periodontal Regeneration 264
Where Bone Grafts Are Indicated 266
Bone Grafts Are Not Indicated Where 266
Technique to Place a Bone Graft 266
Canine Palatal Periodontal Pockets 267
Palatal Defect Graft Technique 267
Guided Tissue Regeneration 268
Mucositis – Inflammation of the Oral Mucosa 268
Treatment for Contact Mucositis 271
Stomatitis 273
Feline Chronic Gingivitis Stomatitis 273
Etiology of FCGS 273
History and Clinical Signs and Symptoms 275
Radiography 275
Contents xiii
Medical Management of FCGS 275
Antimicrobials 276
Anti‐Inflammatory Medication 276
Meloxicam 276
Cyclosporine 276
Interferon 276
Intralesional Use of Interferon Protocols 277
Steroids 277
Surgical Management of FCGS 277
Extraction of Selective Teeth or Full‐Mouth Extraction 277
Technique for Placement of Esophagostomy Feeding Tube in the Anesthetized Cat 278
Extraction Instrumentation and Techniques in Dogs and Cats as a Treatment for Moderate and Advanced
Periodontal Disease, Contact Mucositis, and Stomatitis 279
Pre/Post‐Extraction Radiographs 279
Equipment for Extractions 279
Flap Design, Procedure, and Closure 279
Flap Closure 280
Extraction of Incisor Teeth 281
Technique for Incisor Extraction 281
Technique for Maxillary Canine Tooth Extraction 282
Use the Following Steps for Maxillary Canine Tooth Extraction 282
Mandibular Canine Extraction Technique 284
Facial Exposure 284
Lingual Exposure 285
Premolar Teeth Extraction Technique 285
Technique for Extraction of Premolars 286
Molar Extraction 286
Hemisection and Restoration 286
Hemisection Technique 286
Root Fragment Retrieval 287
Technique for Root Fragment Retrieval 288
Technique for Extracting Multiple Teeth 289
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)‐positive Cats with Feline Chronic Gingivitis Stomatitis 295
Adjunct Therapy With the Carbon Dioxide Laser 295
The Therapeutic Laser 296
Further Reading 297
8 Tooth Resorption 305
Prevalence 305
Etiology 305
Terminology/Classification 305
Classification by Anatomical Location – Internal and External Resorption 306
Internal Resorption 306
Inflammatory External Resorption 306
External Noninflammatory Replacement Resorption 308
Further Classification of External Tooth Resorption by Anatomical Extent (Stages) 308
Classification by Radiographic Appearance (Types) 309
Clinical Signs 310
Clinical Examination Findings 310
Radiographic Findings 311
Treatment of Tooth Resorption 313
Restoration 314
Monitoring Without Immediate Care 315
Crown/Root Atomization 315
xiv Contents
Tooth Extraction 315
Instruments and Materials for Extraction of Teeth Affected by Tooth Resorption 315
Step‐by‐Step Extraction Technique 316
Crown Amputation with Intentional Partial Root Retention Followed by Gingival Closure 316
Step‐by‐Step Procedure for Intentional Crown Amputation and Gingival Closure 317
Further Reading 319
9 Oral Trauma 323
Anatomy and Physiology 323
Crown Wear – Abrasion and Attrition 323
The Traumatized Tooth 323
Signs and Symptoms of Endodontic Disease 327
Physical Examination Signs of Endodontic Disease 327
Endodontic Therapy 327
Location of the Dental Trauma 327
Pulpitis 327
Uncomplicated Enamel, Crown, and Crown–Root Fractures 328
Complicated Tooth Fractures 330
Age of the Patient 331
Age of the Fracture 331
Materials for Endodontic Therapy 331
Paper Points 331
Gutta Percha 331
Zinc Oxide–Eugenol 333
Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) 333
Calcium Hydroxide 333
Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach) 334
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA) 334
Instruments for Endodontic Therapy 334
Barbed Broaches 334
Gates‐Glidden Drills 334
Endodontic Files 335
The International Standards Organization (ISO) 337
Endodontic Stop 338
Spreaders and Pluggers 339
College Pliers 341
Retrograde Amalgam Carriers 341
Spatulas 342
Irrigation Needles 342
Fundamental Endodontic Procedures 342
Vital Pulp Therapy 342
Instruments and Materials 343
Technique 343
Standard (Conventional) Root Canal Therapy 344
Instruments and Materials 344
Accessing the Pulp Chamber and Root Canal 345
Incisors 345
Canines 345
Maxillary Fourth Premolar 345
Maxillary First Molar 345
Preparing the Root Canal Debridement and Shaping 345
Step‐By‐Step Conventional Root Canal Therapy 345
Rotary Debridement 349
Vertical Reciprocation Handpiece Debridement 349
Obturation 349
Restoring Fracture and Access Sites 351
Contents xv
Crown Restoration 351
Oral Cavity Trauma 353
Tooth Luxation 353
Avulsion 353
Trauma to the Maxilla 353
Trauma to the Mandibles 355
Summary of Pathologic Causes of Mandible Deviation 355
Principles of Jaw Fracture Repair 361
Treatment Planning and Options 361
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Trauma 361
TMJ Luxation 361
Further Reading 365
10 Oral Masses 367
I dentification and Staging of Oral Tumors 367
World Health Organization (WHO) Clinical Staging of Tumors of the Oral Cavity – Primary
Tumor–Regional Nodes–Metastasis (TNM) System 367
Primary Tumor (T) 367
Regional Lymph Nodes (N) 367
Distant Metastasis (M) 367
Neoplasia Nomenclature 368
Tissue Sampling 369
Surgical Options to Treat Neoplasia 369
General Overview of Tumor Surgery 369
Benign Neoplasia 371
Gingival Enlargement 371
Cystic Enlargement 379
Dentigerous/Eruption Cysts 379
Inflammatory Cyst 379
Osteomyelitis 381
Odontoma 381
Papilloma 381
Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex 381
Peripheral Odontogenic Fibroma 383
Canine Acanthomatous Ameloblastoma 384
Amyloid‐Producing Odontogenic Tumor 388
Traumatic Granulomas 388
Feline Pyogenic Granuloma 391
Oral Malignancy 391
Malignant Melanoma 391
Treatment of Canine Oral Malignant Melanoma 393
Squamous Cell Carcinoma 394
Feline Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma 394
Treatment of Feline Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma 396
Canine Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma 401
Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the Dog 401
Papillary Squamous Cell Carcinoma 402
Fibrosarcoma 402
Treatment of Oral Fibrosarcoma in the Dog 403
Osteosarcoma 405
Treatment for Oral Osteosarcoma 405
Multilobular Osteochondrosarcoma 406
Histiocytic Sarcoma 406
Hemangiosarcoma 406
Plasmacytoma 406
Epitheliotropic Lymphoma 406
xvi Contents
Salivary Gland Pathology 407
Sialocele Treatment 411
Sialolithiasis 413
Salivary Gland Neoplasia 413
Further Reading 416
11 Occlusal Disorders, Extra Teeth, and Missing Teeth 423
Angle Classification 423
Normal Occlusion in the Dog 423
Normal Occlusion in the Cat 424
Malocclusion – Dental and Skeletal 426
Dental Malocclusion (Malposition) 427
Skeletal Malocclusion 429
Symmetrical Skeletal Malocclusions 429
Asymmetrical Skeletal Malocclusions 431
Persistent Primary (Deciduous) Teeth 431
Supernumerary (Extra) Teeth 433
Missing Teeth 433
Ethics of Performing Veterinary Orthodontic Care 435
Interceptive Orthodontics 435
Extraction of the Malpositioned Tooth 439
Crown Reduction, Vital Pulp Therapy, and Tooth Restoration 441
Moving Teeth 441
Types of Forces Used to Move Teeth 441
Instrumentation for Orthodontic Care 445
Technique for Bracket Placement, Light Chemical Cementation, and Force Activation 446
Orthodontic Appliances 446
The Following are Steps of Orthodontic Therapy Using Appliances 446
Materials and Methods to Create a Dental Study Model 448
Obtaining the Impression 448
Creating Arch Impressions Using Alginate 448
Pouring the Stone Model 450
Water: Powder Ratio 450
Follow These Steps to Mix and Pour Stone 450
The Following are Steps to Pour the Stone Mixture onto the Impression 450
Preparing a Base for Each Cast 451
To Separate the Cast from the Alginate Impression 451
Trimming the Cast 452
Lab Instructions and Shipping 452
Inclined Planes 452
Further Reading 456
Glossary 459
Index 475
xvii
About the Author
Jan Bellows is a veterinarian with more than 40 years of Dental College and the American Board of Veterinary
experience in small‐animal medicine, dentistry, and sur- Practitioners (canine and feline specialties). Dr. Bellows
gery. He is board‐certified by the American Veterinary sees dental referrals at All Pets Dental in Weston, Florida.
xix
Foreword
To quote a professor of mine from dental school, “the Many years ago, I was called from CSU to treat a lion-
ultimate function of the musculature and skeletal system ess with advanced endodontic disease. To prevent
of all animals is mobility for food gathering.” inflicted trauma, all four canines had been brutally cut to
Veterinary medicine, for years, has overlooked one of the gingiva some 18 years ago. I realized that this was one
the two basic functions for life. The lion can run to the of thousands of captive exotic animals with advanced
food, but with broken teeth and advanced dental disease, dental disease that received little to no treatment,
cannot capture prey or eat – it dies. The lion that has whether due to lack of funding or the availability of an
reasonable oral health, but cannot move to the food – experienced veterinary dentist familiar with exotic
dies. Without proper oral health, one of the two func- animal dentistry. It was from that case (and the memory
tions for survival is compromised. For confirmation of of so many others) that the Peter Emily International
this, we have only to regard the media advertisements, Veterinary Dental Foundation was born. Our foundation
extolling the virtues of exercise (movement), proper diet now provides dentistry for exotic animals residing in
(eating), and attending to all aspects of oral health. sanctuaries, shelters, and zoos worldwide.
Until recently, veterinary medicine has treated disease After years of extensive research and writing, Dr. Bellows
and restored somatic function to the highest level while has presented the field of veterinary dentistry with a very
overlooking dentistry beyond prophylaxis and extrac- well‐constructed second edition of his text, “Small Animal
tion. In the early days of veterinary dentistry, invitations Equipment, Materials, and Techniques.” This is a beauti-
to present dentistry at conferences were very difficult to fully illustrated well‐organized text detailing all phases of
attain. When presentations were held, they were poorly companion animal dentistry including the creation of a
attended, with one of the first six‐hour lecture series well‐organized and well‐equipped dental operatory, as
attracting one participant for the entire day. well as a review of all the dental disciplines – it is a com-
In the 1980s, veterinary dentistry gained some prehensive publication.
momentum from a series of continuing education Dr. Bellows’ dental books are well read throughout
seminars, which presented all disciplines of dentistry the world. All are of the highest quality and very well
in major US cities. For 10 years, the “CE Seminars” presented, making this text a must read for all i nterested
consisted of Saturday lectures and Sunday labs. Then, in dentistry, from those looking to expand their prac-
after much persuasion, Colorado State University tice to include veterinary dentistry, to current dental
School of Veterinary Medicine became the first school practitioners. Along with his many accomplishments
to offer a course in veterinary dentistry. Veterinary in all phases of veterinary dentistry, Dr. Bellows is an
dentistry is now recognized as a viable veterinary spe- advanced exotic animal dentist for the Peter Emily
cialty. Dental seminars with excellent papers and pres- International Veterinary Dental Foundation – what
entations at major veterinary conferences are well better credentials could there be?
attended. Many schools of veterinary medicine have
formal dental curricula. Peter Emily, DDS, Hon. AVDC
xxi
Preface
In 1986, after attending a veterinary dental wet lab in and perform many of the day‐to‐day techniques required
Vero Beach hosted by Dr. Keith Grove, I was hooked. to truly raise his or her level of dental care. The reader
Returning to my general practice in Pembroke Pines, will also learn about advanced dental procedures that
Florida, I realized that nearly all my patients were in dire can be performed by specialists to help dogs and cats.
need of proper dental care. Fortunately, next door to my This text does not include all dental equipment, mate
practice was a human dentist, Dr. Andy Stutz, a pet lover, rials, and techniques available for patient care. It is more
with a special interest in dog and cat dentistry. Thus of a primer. I have included what I, along with many of
started my journey, which still continues daily. my colleagues, have found general practitioners and den
As president of the American Veterinary Dental tal assistants want to know about the practice of veteri
College (2012–2014) and president of the Foundation of nary dentistry.
Veterinary Dentistry (2016–2020), I have witnessed a Veterinary educators and our practice oath stress
profound transformation of our companion animal den that we do no harm. The veterinarian must appreciate
tal profession, evolving from the delivery of rudimentary and fully understand the science behind the procedures
dental services to comprehensive care based on science. outlined in this book before performing them on clini
As both the veterinarian and the public have recognized cal cases. Dentistry is not a cookbook recipe endeavor.
this trend, the demand for all‐encompassing dental care Often there are procedural complications requiring
has grown in an almost exponential manner. adjustment. For those who attempt dental proce
Due in large part to the evolution of the discipline, there dures without proper equipment, materials, and
needs to be concentration on the pathophysiology of den knowledge, there is the potential to make a patient’s
tal diseases in addition to the “nuts and bolts” of how to condition worse. For that reason, I have included this
obtain the proper equipment, materials, and techniques symbol Advanced Procedure to alert the
to treat dental problems. The difficulties discovered by
practitioners who want to incorporate more dental ser reader where advanced training and additional equip
vice into their practice include figuring out how to get ment and materials are needed. The reader is also
started and once started, how to grow to handle the vast advised to practice any operative procedure on cadaver
amount of dental pathology present in our patients. specimens with the support of dental specialists before
The second edition of Small Animal Dental Equipment, operating on patients. Proficiency can usually be
Materials, and Techniques evolved from a need to inform obtained by working with veterinary dentists, attending
and share more information with students, veterinari veterinary dental hands – on wet labs – coupled with
ans, technicians, and human dentists. This book’s goal is reading, reading, and more reading. Someone with
to clearly explain how to choose dental equipment and advanced dental training and certification should eval
materials, and how to perform basic and intermediate uate and critique results before attempting clinical
dental procedures based on examination findings. Some cases. The reader is advised to contact the American
advanced procedures are included for completeness, and Veterinary Dental College, the Journal of Veterinary
are noted as such. Dentistry, and the American Veterinary Dental Forum
Anyone who is contemplating increasing his or her for a list of continuing education opportunities.
ability to deliver dental treatment to patients will find
the information in this text invaluable. The second Disclaimer
edition of Small Animal Dental Equipment, Materials, Dr. Jan Bellows currently has no financial interest in the
and Techniques takes the mystery away from unfamiliar companies mentioned in this book. The specific prod
dental terms and techniques. The reader will learn how ucts mentioned reflect Dr. Bellows’ personal preference
to establish an efficient and effective dental operatory and other similar products may exist.
