Veterinary Dentistry

Teeth are made from three main structures: enamel, dentine, and pulp. Trauma to the hard, shiny enamel on the outside of the crown can cause exposure of the more sensitive tissues contained within – this is painful at the time, and over time will cause changes both within the tooth and in the bone surrounding it.

Fractured teeth can never be left – they require anaesthetised assessment with x-rays to determine the extent of damage and to make a treatment plan. These teeth may need to be extracted, or certain teeth may be candidates for root canal treatment, where the pulp is removed and replaced with an inert material.

Despite puppy teeth being temporary in the mouth, fractured teeth still require appropriate treatment. These deciduous teeth have wide pulp cavities and are just as painful if they are fractured. These teeth will still become inflamed and infected, and leaving them in situ can have significant negative consequences for the permanent tooth following behind, so these should always be extracted if fractured.

Teeth will naturally become worn down over time. However, certain toys, chews and other objects can speed this process along too quickly and cause dental sensitivity and even exposure of the pulp cavity. These teeth should be assessed under anaesthetic with radiographs to assess these teeth and treat them if required.

Canine Chronic Ulcerative Stomatitis (CCUS) is a painful inflammatory condition affecting the tissues of the mouth. Dogs may develop severe inflammation where oral tissues come into contact with plaque-covered tooth surfaces and can show signs including difficulty eating, drooling, bad breath and behavioural changes associated with pain.

Assessment may include blood tests, dental radiography, professional dental cleaning and biopsies where appropriate. Treatment is tailored to the individual patient and may involve dental treatment, home care and medical management.

Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis (FCGS) is an intensely painful condition for domestic cats. It is understood to be an immune mediated condition with multiple contributing factors. These patients are often very sore and have noticeably inflamed mouths. They often require blood tests and virus testing, then either partial or full mouth extractions with follow-up visits to manage their condition and ensure they are comfortable and out of pain.

Damage or developmental defects affecting enamel can expose the sensitive dentine beneath the tooth surface and make affected teeth more prone to plaque accumulation and discomfort.

We assess affected teeth under general anaesthesia using dental radiographs before determining the most appropriate treatment. Where suitable, damaged surfaces can be prepared, sealed and restored using composite material to protect exposed dentine and create a smoother tooth surface.

Patients with enamel defects may require ongoing dental home care and future monitoring.

Treatment of fistulas, palatal defects, impacted or unerupted teeth, and oral cysts all require expertise in dentistry and oral/maxillofacial surgery. Our oncology, soft tissue surgery and dentistry departments work closely together to provide the very best care for our oral surgery and oral cancer patients.

Yes, referring vets can send us advice requests by calling us directly, just like our other services.

Referring vets should send the pet's history, any radiographs they have taken, and photos of the patient's mouth if possible (mouth closed, lips pulled back, both sides of the mouth and the front).

Yes, we treat fractured teeth in both species. This may be restoration, extraction, or endodontic treatment depending on which tooth is affected and how it has been fractured.

Yes, these teeth are painful, and infected and inflamed deciduous teeth may cause issues for the emerging adult tooth beneath. These teeth should be extracted promptly.

Yes - all dentistry procedures are performed under general anaesthetic. At Wear Referrals, the safety of our patients is of paramount importance hence why we have a team of specialists in anaesthesia and analgesia who are responsible for creating tailored anaesthetic and pain relief plans for all of our referral patients.

No, they need to be referred by their primary care practice.