Dentistry
Periodontal disease is the SINGLE most common illness of dogs and cats.
Happy pets have healthy mouths


According to the Amercican Veterinary Medical Association, more than 85% of dogs and cats that are at least 4 years periodontal disease. Oral health is of crucial importance to the overall wellbeing of our patients. To meet this crucial need, the Mercer Island Veterinary Clinic medical care team is pleased to provide the very best in dentistry. Follow each link below to learn more about the services we offer.

Dr. Evan Crocker has obtained significant continuing education in the field of veterinary dentistry and he offers advanced dental procedures Monday through Thursday. Dr. Kevin Reed also has special dentistry training and provides services Monday, Tuesday and Fridays. Dental procedures including COHAT require admission into the hospital for the day, patients return to the comfort of their own home the same afternoon.

COHAT before and after
Mercer Island Veterinary Clinic
COHAT patient before and after
 


MIVC COHAT before and after

The American College of Veterinary Dentists (AVDC) gives the following information:

Periodontal disease is the most common clinical condition occurring in adult dogs and cats, and is entirely preventable. By three years of age, most dogs and cats have some evidence of periodontal disease. Unfortunately, other than bad breath, there are few signs of the disease process evident to the owner, and professional dental cleaning and periodontal therapy often comes too late to prevent extensive disease or to save teeth. As a result, periodontal disease is usually under-treated, and may cause multiple problems in the oral cavity and may be associated with damage to internal organs in some patients as they age.

Periodontal disease begins when bacteria in the mouth form a substance called plaque that sticks to the surface of the teeth. Subsequently, minerals in the saliva harden the plaque into dental calculus (tartar), which is firmly attached to the teeth. Tartar above the gum line is obvious to many owners, but is not of itself the cause of disease. The real problem develops as plaque and calculus spread under the gum line. Bacteria in this ‘sub-gingival’ plaque set in motion a cycle of damage to the supporting tissues around the tooth, eventually leading to loss of the tooth. Bacteria under the gum line secrete toxins, which contribute to the tissue damage if untreated. These bacteria also stimulate the animal’s immune system.

 

There is a wide range in the appearance and severity of periodontal disease, which often cannot be properly evaluated or treated without general anesthesia for veterinary patients. Effects within the oral cavity include damage to or loss of gum tissue and bone around the teeth, development of a hole (‘fistula’) from the oral cavity into the nasal passages causing nasal discharge, fractures of the jaw following weakening of the jaw bone, and bone infection (‘osteomyelititis’). Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and are carried around the body.  MIVC COHAT before and after


 


2448 76th Ave SE #102, Mercer Island, Washington 98040 ✦ 206.232.0333info@mercerislandvet.com