Oral Assessment, Treatment and Prevention
In human dentistry, the term dental prophy (short for prophylaxis) describes a preventative procedure. In veterinary medicine, our Oral ATP describes what happens during the professional oral hygiene visit. It stands for Assessment, Treatment, and Prevention, and it represents a thorough, whole-mouth approach to your pet’s dental care.
In dogs and cats over 3 years of age, 85% will have established periodontal disease, some of which is reversible. Left untreated, this disease can lead to pain, tooth loss, and even infections that spread to other organs. Despite how common this condition is, veterinary professionals and their staff rarely perform dental prophy treatments, which is why a comprehensive Oral ATP matters so much for your pet’s long-term health.
Components
I. Assessment
A. Patient History
B. General Exam
C. Facial Exam
D. Awake Oral Exam
E. Pre-Operative Work Up, including laboratory analysis (blood, urine and/or stool), imaging (X-rays of non-oral origin, such as chest X-rays), and potentially electrical evaluation of the patient’s heart (electrocardiogram, or EKG)
F. General Anesthesia
G. Oral Exam, Tooth-by-Tooth and Oral Cavity Charting Under General Anesthesia, with Digital Photographs Obtained
H. Intra-Oral X-rays
II. Treatment
A. Utilizes different equipment to treat periodontal (the tooth’s support structures), endodontic (internal structures of the tooth), and exodontic treatment (extraction of a tooth)
III. Prevention
A. Daily home care in the form of brushing, diets, chews, water additives, and wipes, all aimed at preventing and limiting plaque formation, which leads to periodontal disease
B. Follow-up visits and future Oral ATP visits
Our Oral ATP works hand-in-hand with other services we offer, including routine wellness exams and laboratory services, to give your pet complete, well-rounded care. Please click here for more information.
