American Pit Bull Terrier Owners And Canine Dentistry

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American Pit Bull Terrier owners have numerous responsibilities. Of these, veterinary dentistry is vital in maintaining the health of the American Pit Bull Terrier. The following are common areas of concern.

Dental scaling and polishing-Dental scaling begins with a complete examination of the oral cavity. Most dental scaling procedures require the use of mechanical and/or hand scalers. Following the dental scaling procedure the teeth are polished to halt the rapid accumulation of plaque. The teeth are then examined for any remaining plaque. Following dental scaling and polishing, periodontal probes are used to check along each tooth. It is recommended that patients with pre-existing periodontal disease begin antibiotic treatment 3 days prior to dental scaling.

Endodontics- Endodontics is the study and treatment of the inside of the tooth, also called the pulp, and the tip of the tooth root. The pulp is made of nerves, blood vessels and other tissues. Dental pulp is important to the development of the tooth in the young. It provides the nutrients required to strengthen the tooth wall. The most common cause of endodontic disease in the American Pit Bull Terrier is a cracked or broken tooth. Any tooth with exposed pulp tissue should be treated by endodontic treatment or tooth extraction. Treatments include root canal, pulp capping and pulpotomy. If left untreated, infection can cause abcess. The owner may notice swelling or draining just below the eyes. These abcesses can be extremely painful and a source of infection which can spread to other teeth and the bloodstream.

Periodontics- Periodontics is the study and treatment of the supporting structures of the teeth. Periodontal disease is swelling of the gum and other structures around the tooth. Periodontal disease is difficult to control once it has developed; which makes prevention key. Controlling and minimizing accumulation of  plaque is the most important element in averting periodontal disease. It is the most common form of disease among animals and humans. By the age of three, 80% of dogs show some sign of periodontal disease. If not treated, periodontal disease can cause serious health issues and even death.

Dental Radiography- Dental radiography assists in the treatment of difficult extractions and sometimes dental restorations. Any broken or chipped tooth, or one with inflammation around the gum line, should be reported to a veterinarian for a check-up. Dental radiography can assist with early detection.

Restorative Dentistry- The goal of restorative dentistry is to repair a tooth before it can be destroyed by cavities, fractures or breaks. As a tooth loses its contour it can become prone to periodontal disease. Covering the tooth with a crown is one choice for restoring a tooth with coronal structure loss.

Orthodontics- Orthodontics deal with the prevention and correction of irregularities and misalignment of the teeth. The main reason for performing orthodontic correction is to lessen pain due to misaligned teeth or misalignment that will lead to endodontics or periodontal disease. If genetic abnormalities are suspected, the owner should ponder having the animal spayed or neutered to prevent the propagation of inferior genes.

Home Care- Home care is the best way to stop the accumulation of plaque. There are many products available to help promote proper dental hygiene for the American Pit Bull Terrier. Home care often involves finding a product that works for the owner with a busy work schedule. From dog biscuits to dog toothbrushes, your veterinarian can offer some choices.

These are a few of the dental concerns a responsible American Pit Bull Terrier owner needs to know. Any specific concerns should be immediately reported to a veterinarian.

American Pit Bull Terrier Owners And Canine Dentistry
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