www.pdfgrip.com


Small Animal Dental Procedures
for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses

www.pdfgrip.com


Website
This book is accompanied by a companion website:
www.wiley.com/go/perrone
The website includes:
•  Key terms
•  Training materials
•  Supplemental figures
•  PowerPoints

www.pdfgrip.com


Small Animal Dental Procedures
for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses

Edited by
Jeanne R. Perrone

CVT, VTS (Dentistry)
Tampa Bay Veterinary Dentistry
Largo, Florida

A John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Publication

www.pdfgrip.com


This edition first published 2013 © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Wiley-Blackwell is an imprint of John Wiley & Sons, formed by the merger of Wiley’s global Scientific,
Technical and Medical business with Blackwell Publishing.
Editorial offices:2121 State Avenue, Ames, Iowa 50014-8300, USA

The Atrium, Southern Gate, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 8SQ, UK

9600 Garsington Road, Oxford, OX4 2DQ, UK
For details of our global editorial offices, for customer services and for information about how to apply
for permission to reuse the copyright material in this book please see our website at www.wiley.com/
wiley-blackwell.
Authorization to photocopy items for internal or personal use, or the internal or personal use of specific
clients, is granted by Blackwell Publishing, provided that the base fee is paid directly to the Copyright
Clearance Center, 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923. For those organizations that have been
granted a photocopy license by CCC, a separate system of payments has been arranged. The fee codes
for users of the Transactional Reporting Service are ISBN-13: 978-0-8138-2075-0/2013.
Designations used by companies to distinguish their products are often claimed as trademarks. All brand
names and product names used in this book are trade names, service marks, trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective owners. The publisher is not associated with any product or vendor mentioned
in this book. This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to
the subject matter covered. It is sold on the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering
professional services. If professional advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent
professional should be sought.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Small animal dental procedures for veterinary technicians and nurses / editor,
Jeanne R. Perrone.
   p. ; cm.
  Includes bibliographical references and index.
  ISBN 978-0-8138-2075-0 (pbk. : alk. paper)  1.  Veterinary dentistry.  I.  Perrone, Jeanne R.
  [DNLM:  1.  Dental Care–veterinary.  2.  Animal Technicians.  3.  Pets. SF 867]
  SF867.S63 2013
  636.089′76–dc23

2012019513
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
Wiley also publishes its books in a variety of electronic formats. Some content that appears in print may not
be available in electronic books.
Cover design by Jen Miller Designs
Set in 10 on 12 pt Sabon by Toppan Best-set Premedia Limited

1  2013

www.pdfgrip.com


To my dad, Frank, who taught me
responsibility and the value of providing
quality medicine
To my mom, Priscilla, who taught me
compassion and giving
To my stepmom, Lynn, who taught me
how to be resourceful
To my sister, Zan, who taught me how to
be independent

To my brother, Andy, who taught me
never to give up
To my sister-in-law, Lucy, who taught
me that all challenges can be overcome
with grace
To my niece, Jasmine, who taught me
maturity
To my nephew, Jordan, who taught me
spirit and bravery

To the members of the AVDT for over
30 years of love and laughter
To all the veterinary technicians,
veterinary assistants, veterinarians, and
veterinary dentists I have been blessed to
work with for making me into the
technician I am today
To my Tony, who constantly teaches
this Italian girl how to be a little more
Puerto Rican
To my pets and patients, past
and present, my source of love
and acceptance
Lastly, to Luna, our model for the
medical diagrams in Chapter 1 and a
former patient of mine. I received word
from her mom and our artist, Brenda
Gregory, that she passed away from an
inoperable tumor on December 29, 2011.
Her mother, Brenda, is grateful that she

will be immortalized in this book.

To my best friend and confidant, Lisa,
for over 30 years of love and laughter

www.pdfgrip.com


www.pdfgrip.com


Contents

Contributors
Foreword by Judy Ozier
Foreword from Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians
Preface
Acknowledgments
1: The Basics
Gerianne Holzman
Anatomy of the Skull
Odontogenesis
Anatomy of the Tooth
Directional Terminology
Training and Key Terms: Online only

xiii
xv
xvii
xix

xxi
3
4
12
15
18

2: The Examination Room and the Dental Patient
Mary Berg
Introduction
The Client Interview
The Oral Examination: Conscious Patient
The Dental Estimate (Treatment Plan)
Training and Key Terms: Online only

23

3: Components of the Dental Operatory
Benita Cherry
Dental Delivery Units
Dental Handpieces
Power Scalers
Dental Tables
Ergonomics and Personal Protection
Training, Key Terms, and Supplemental Figures: Online only

29

4: Anesthesia and the Dental Patient
Annie Mills

Introduction
Anesthesia for the Dental Patient
Anesthetic Equipment

45

24
24
25
27

30
32
34
38
41

46
46
47
vii

www.pdfgrip.com


viii  Contents

Monitoring Anesthesia and Common Complications
Pain Management in the Dental Patient
Training, Key Terms, and “Anesthesia Cheat Sheet”: Online only


50
53

5: The Dental Cleaning
Julie McMahon
Introduction
Common Instrumentation for the Dental Cleaning
The Dental Record
The Dental Cleaning Procedure
Purpose of the Oral Exam and Charting
Cleaning the Teeth Using the Power Scaler
Dental Cleaning with Hand Instrumentation
Polishing
Recovery
Home Care
Equipment and Instrument Care
Training, Key Terms, Supplemental Figures, “Brushing the Teeth,” and
“Developing a Home Dental Health Care Plan”: Online only

59

6: Dental Radiology
Laurel Bird
Radiography in Veterinary Dentistry
The Dental X-Ray Unit
Dental Film and Processing
Positioning for Taking Dental Radiographs
Care and Storage of Images
Anatomy of the Dental Radiograph

Training, Key Terms, and Supplemental Figures: Online only

87

7: Common Dental Conditions and Treatments
Jeanne R. Perrone, Sara Sharp, and Patricia A. March
Introduction
Periodontal Disease
Jeanne R. Perrone
What is Periodontal Disease?
Pathogenesis of Periodontal Disease
Clinical Signs
Radiographic Signs
Treatment and Therapies
Summary
Training, Key Terms, Supplemental Figures, “Dental Extractions,” “Extraction
Instrumentation,” “Flap Procedures,” “Oronasal Fistula,” “Periodontal
Instrumentation,” and “Stages of Periodontal Disease”: Online only
Endodontic Disease
Sara Sharp
Anatomy of the Pulp
Indications for Endodontic Therapy Due to Trauma
The Endodontic Exam

www.pdfgrip.com

60
61
64
67

67
74
75
78
79
80
82

88
88
90
94
100
101
105
106
106
106
106
108
108
111
114

115
115
115
116



Contents  ix

The Endodontic Treatment
In Conclusion
Training, Key Terms, and Supplemental Figures:
Malocclusion
Patricia A. March
Normal Occlusion
Types and Treatments of Malocclusions
Position Statements
Treatment of Malocclusions
Training, Key Terms, and Supplemental Figures:
Jaw Fracture Management
Patricia A. March
Types and Treatments for Jaw Fractures
Training, Key Terms, Supplemental Figures, and
Oral Tumors
Patricia A. March
Benign Oral Tumors and Treatments
Malignant Oral Tumors and Treatments
Charting and Preparation of Samples
Training, Key Terms, and Supplemental Figures:

117
123
Online only
123
123
124
126

127
Online only
130
130
“Tape Muzzle”: Online only
134
135
137
139
Online only

8: Feline Dentistry
Jennifer Crawford and Billie Jean (Jeannie) Losey
Introduction
Gingivostomatitis
Jennifer Crawford
Introduction
Symptoms of Gingivostomatitis
Diagnostics
Oral Evaluation
Treatments
Summary
Key Terms and Supplemental Figures: Online only
Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex
Billie Jean (Jeannie) Losey
Eosinophilic Ulcers
Eosinophilic Plaque
Collagenolytic Granuloma
Causes
Symptoms

Diagnostics
Treatments
Key Terms: Online only
Feline Tooth Resorption
Billie Jean (Jeannie) Losey
Definition and Symptoms
Stages of Tooth Resorption
Diagnostics
Charting

www.pdfgrip.com

143
144
144
144
145
147
147
148
151
151
151
151
152
152
152
153
153
154

154
156
158
158


x  Contents

Treatment
Key Terms and Supplemental Figures: Online only
Training: Online only

159

9: Dentistry and the Exotic Patient
Kathy Istace
Challenges of Exotic Dentistry
Rodent Dentistry
Caviomorph Rodents (Guinea Pigs, Chinchillas, Degus)
Murine Rodents (Rats, Mice, Hamsters, Gerbils)
Oral Examination of Rodents
Anesthesia and Pain Management
Common Dental Problems of Rodents
Dental Instruments
Husbandry and Home Care
Miscellaneous Small Pets
Supplemental Figures: Online only
Rabbit Dentistry
Oral Anatomy and Dentition of Rabbits
Oral Examination of Rabbits

Anesthesia and Pain Management
Common Dental Problems of Rabbits
Dental Instruments
Husbandry and Home Care
Supplemental Figures: Online only
Ferret Dentistry
Oral Anatomy and Dentition of Ferrets
Oral Examination of Ferrets
Anesthesia and Pain Management
Common Dental Problems of Ferrets
Dental Instruments
Husbandry and Home Care
Supplemental Figures: Online only
Dental Radiography for the Exotic Patient
Materials and Equipment
Rodents and Rabbits
Ferrets
Supplemental Figures: Online only
Training; Key Terms; Dental Assessment Charts for Rabbit, Guinea Pig,
Chinchilla, Rat, Mouse, Hamster, and Ferret: Online only

161

10: Discharging the Dental Patient
Patricia Dominguez
Discharge Instructions: What You Need
The Importance of Photographs and Radiographs
Managing Recheck Visits
Reminders: How Often Should Dental Patients Return?
Training and Key Terms: Online only


187

www.pdfgrip.com

162
162
162
162
165
165
167
168
169
169
170
170
171
172
174
176
176
177
177
177
177
180
181
181
181

181
182
184

188
192
194
195


Contents  xi

Appendices
1.  Home Oral Health Care Interview Form
2.  Canine Dental Chart
3.  Feline Dental Chart
4.  Dental Procedure Estimate
5.  Dental Procedure Release Form
6.  Dental Radiograph Template
7.  Discharge Take Home Instructions Example
8.  Discharge Take Home Pictures: Simple Example
9.  Discharge Take Home Pictures: Detailed Example

197
197
198
200
202
203
204

206
208
209

Index

217

For materials available online only,
go to www.wiley.com/go/perrone.

www.pdfgrip.com


www.pdfgrip.com


Contributors

Mary Berg, BS, RLATG, RVT, VTS
(Dentistry)
Gentle Care Animal Hospital
Lawrence, KS
Laurel Bird, CVT, VTS (Dentistry)
Brakken Veterinary Clinic
Menomonie, WI
Benita Cherry, LVT, VTS (Dentistry)
VCA Animal Medical Center
Richland, WA
Jennifer Crawford, LVT, VTS

(Dentistry)
Indian Springs Animal Clinic
Pelham, AL
Patricia Dominguez, LVT, VTS
(Dentistry)
Gotham Veterinary Center
New York, NY
Gerianne Holzman, CVT, VTS
(Dentistry)
Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital
University of Wisconsin
Madison, WI
Kathy Istace, CVT, VTS (Dentistry)
Mayfield Veterinary Hospital
Edmonton, AB, Canada

Billie Jean (Jeannie) Losey, RVT, VTS
(Dentistry)
Veterinary Teaching Hospital
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC
Patricia A. March, CVT, VTS (Dentistry)
Department of Dental and Oral Surgery
Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Julie McMahon, LVT, VTS (Dentistry)
Community Animal Hospital
Reno, NV
Annie Mills, LVT, VTS (Dentistry)

Florida Veterinary Dentistry and
Oral Surgery
Punta Gorda, FL
Judy Ozier, CVT, VTS (Dentistry)
Northgate Pet Clinic
Decatur, IL
Jeanne R. Perrone, CVT, VTS (Dentistry)
Tampa Bay Veterinary Dentistry
Largo, FL
Sara Sharp, CVT, VTS (Dentistry)
Alameda East Veterinary Hospital
Aurora, CO
xiii

www.pdfgrip.com


www.pdfgrip.com


Foreword

Ten years ago, a group of veterinary technicians with a passion for veterinary dentistry
began an arduous journey. Their vision was to form a dental specialty organization for
technicians who wish to excel in the field. The Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians
(AVDT) was formed. Over the next several years, the organizing committee succeeded in
writing a constitution and an exam, which is given annually to qualified candidates.
AVDT also had to meet specific guidelines for technicians seeking to become Veterinary
Technician Specialists. Today AVDT is recognized by both the National Association of
Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) and the American Veterinary Dental College

(AVDC).
Since the beginning, ADVT has provided an avenue for technicians and assistants
involved with dentistry to grow and learn together. The idea for this book has evolved
over time. All of the existing written material for veterinary dentistry has been provided
by the veterinarians in the field. AVDT has chosen to use our pool of very knowledgeable
and qualified veterinary technician specialists to write a dental book by technicians specifically for the use of other technicians, assistants, and students.
This book is designed to be a learning tool to increase skill levels and understanding
of various dental procedures. Basic dental skills, such as doing a complete prophylaxis,
charting teeth, and taking diagnostic radiographs, are just a few examples of essential
tasks that we should to able to perform competently. Additionally, it is necessary to have
the knowledge of more complex dental procedures.
Increasing our levels of competence yields many tangible benefits to us all. In addition
to achieving pride in our accomplishments, we become more valuable members of the
veterinary dental health care team. Our increased knowledge allows us to pursue job
opportunities with potential monetary increase. We will also establish a necessary foundation to pursue our professional challenges in a knowledgeable manner.
It is our hope that you will find this book to be a good reference guide, a resource to
find specific dental information that will help make your dental experiences less intimidating, and a resource for you to hone your skills and tweak areas that need improvement.
Remember that we all have our patients’ best interests in mind and our ultimate goal is
to provide them with good oral health through our best efforts.
Judy Ozier, CVT, VTS (Dentistry)
xv

www.pdfgrip.com


www.pdfgrip.com


Foreword from Academy of
Veterinary Dental Technicians


The Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians (AVDT) has partnered with Wiley to bring
this text to you to encourage the education and training of veterinary technicians and
nurses. The accumulation and integration of knowledge found within the covers of this
book will teach, inspire, challenge, and fuel your interest in all aspects of veterinary
dentistry. Please read it through, to get the maximum benefit.
I would like to extend my gratitude to the authors and to our wonderful editor. This
book couldn’t have been completed without the encouragement and support from the
AVDT members, the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC), the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS), and their families, at home and at work. Thank you for
making this project possible.
Please note that the world of veterinary medicine is constantly evolving and the information shared within this text is time-sensitive and subject to change.
Patricia A. March, CVT, VTS (Dentistry)
President, AVDT

xvii

www.pdfgrip.com


www.pdfgrip.com


Preface

With the upsurge in dental education available for veterinary technicians at the regional,
state, and national levels, I am excited to provide a text written for technicians by
technicians.
The text is divided into 10 chapters, covering all branches of dentistry that the veterinary technician could encounter in practice. The contributors also touch upon the role
of the veterinary technician, stressing the importance of connecting to the owner professionally using their dentistry knowledge. Professionalism is gained through education and
experience.

This book is geared for technician students, working technicians, and technicians who
are pursuing their specialty certification in dentistry. In keeping with changes in technology, the book has two components: the book and the Web. The Web component was
added for two reasons: (1) there is sufficient space to store the large number of photographs and drawings that could not fit in the book and (2) it provides the reader with
an extra educational experience using a project or a quiz based on the chapter.

xix

www.pdfgrip.com


www.pdfgrip.com


Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the following individuals and institutions:
University of Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital
Patricia Dominguez, LVT, VTS (Dentistry)
IM3®
Midmark
Summit Hills Laboratories®
Surgitel
Kristen Cooley, CVT, VTS (Anesthesia)
John Koehm, DVM, FAVD
Air Techniques Inc.
American Veterinary Dental College
Theresa Gabel, CVT
Alexander Reiter, Dipl. Tzt., Dr. Vet. Med.
North Carolina State University
Duke Lemur Center

Skulls Unlimited International
Loic Legendre, DVM
Michael Fallon, DVM, PhD
Shipps Dental and Specialty Products
David Crossley, BVetMed
Gotham Veterinary Center
Without their contributions, this book would not have come to be.
J.R.P.

xxi

www.pdfgrip.com


www.pdfgrip.com


Small Animal Dental Procedures
for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses

www.pdfgrip.com