Teeth cleaning

[kirbybirby]

Yeah I hope the results will ease my mind a little bit more. And I will ask if it is necessary to go with the specialist for x-rays and whatnot.

[107barney]

I would personally go with xrays. I had my dog done today and his xrays show Bone loss and areas of concern to be watched. You wouldn't know looking at his mouth how severe his periodontal disease is. He has a short upper jaw and rotated teeth so he is a tartar magnet. They told me today if I wasn't brushing every single day he probably would've lost a lot more teeth.

I would go with Xrays. It is worth the extra money. And yes the teeth can not only crumble but the jaw can break if they incorrectly remove certain teeth like lower canines.

[107barney]

I also would go with the specialist.

[107barney]

Originally Posted by kirbybirby

I didn't see any blood when I took the little bandage off so I don't think she was really bleeding that bad. She is a very nervous dog and to me the high blood pressure would make sense as she gets very worked up going to the vet. And to be honest, I think it is just something they have to legally say as a "just in case it happens". I'm not sure an x-ray would tell them anything regarding that though because it has to do with the tartar. I'm not really sure what to think at this point but if other people say I should go elsewhere then I will cancel the appointment.

Also, the dental X-rays tell you ALOT more than an exam. 85% of dental disease is discovered below the gum line.

[kirbybirby]

I am waiting on an actual price quote from the specialist. Unfortunately if it is over $1000 I cannot go that route. If she was in pain or had trouble eating I would no questions. But for now the regular vet will have to do if the specialist is too expensive.

What am I supposed to do after the teeth have been cleaned, meaning how am I supposed to KEEP them clean? Brushing unfortunately just does not work at all with my yorkie. The brush doesn't even fit in the very back of her mouth. Yes, I have tried every small brush know to exist. Even the ones that go on your finger. And she doesn't even open her mouth enough for me to get the brush back there without it almost going down her throat because I can't see what I'm doing. I cannot handle getting her teeth done every year or so and I don't think it's a good thing to keep putting her under. What can I do?

[dottiesyrky]

I do feel for you, $1000 is a lot of money to come up with, but even a regular vet dental bill can come to that price if there are extractions or unexpected extras . But 107B is right, X-rays reveal what is hidden below the gumline and that is very important. I pray that this one time you will be able to raise the funds to do the required dental work, and after that she may be fine for a long time.
I get the problem with teeth cleaning at home. I have tried every brush and method to effectively clean my boy's teeth but cannot get near the back ones that tend to get tartar. I do the best I can but no way could I do a good enough job to prevent regular dentals. Many of the issues with a YT's teeth are unfortunately genetic, and home cleaning cannot always overcome that. There are oral sprays and topicals that can help and you might give those a try. Once this dental is done you may find a vet who does non anesthetic cleaning, and that would be much less expensive.
In the meantime please just consider getting her teeth in good shape now and do your best to clean them as best you can, and worry about the next cleaning when it is needed She may do well after this dental and need infrequent ones after that. Do not get too concerned about the future at this stage.
I hope the estimate comes out reasonably and that your baby gets all the work done soon.
Good luck and try not to worry about the procedure.
PS. I don't think you can be certain that she has no pain or discomfort, dogs are very good at hiding pain!

[kirbybirby]

I really wish this was something that could be proven as a hereditary thing as I did get her from a breeder...

I truly hope I don't have future problems after this.

[dottiesyrky]

I didn't mean to say that your dog's teeth issues are hereditary, but just to say that if they are, it may not be easy to overcome them with home cleaning.
I don't think most breeders would regard dental issues as coverable, but perhaps others here can comment on this aspect.
Just hope that there will be few tooth problems after this dental, it is very probable.

[kirbybirby]

The specialist can't even give me a price quote without examining her and taking xrays first. Which would also mean having her put under twice. Once for xrays and again for surgery. For around $220 and then who knows what the price would be from there. I'm thinking anywhere from 1000 to 1500. I have about 1600 total to my name right now and while my girl is always worth it I just cannot spend that much. It would also mean waiting possibly another whole month. Due to my anxiety and depression I do not think I can wait that long as I have already almost been hospitalized myself. I cannot even function because of all this.

So for right now I will need to just stick with the regular dental cleaning.

[107barney]

Originally Posted by kirbybirby

The specialist can't even give me a price quote without examining her and taking xrays first. Which would also mean having her put under twice. Once for xrays and again for surgery. For around $220 and then who knows what the price would be from there. I'm thinking anywhere from 1000 to 1500. I have about 1600 total to my name right now and while my girl is always worth it I just cannot spend that much. It would also mean waiting possibly another whole month. Due to my anxiety and depression I do not think I can wait that long as I have already almost been hospitalized myself. I cannot even function because of all this.

So for right now I will need to just stick with the regular dental cleaning.

Many vets have dental xray equipment. You do not necessarily need to go to a specialist. Do the best you can afford. As for going forward, if you can't brush the teeth, there are some products like water additives that can work. HealthyMouth Dog Essential is a VOHC approved product. VOHC also has a number of other products that can help. I would also try a cat toothbrush instead. CET makes one and it is small and can be snuck into the smaller dog's mouth.

[kirbybirby]

My vet unfortunately doesn't have the equipment for dental xrays. I'll see how the surgery goes and hopefully she can keep majority of her teeth

[kirbybirby]

Hey everyone, just updating. She did great and only had 1 tooth that needed to be taken out and it was a baby tooth. But her breath still smells the same as before the cleaning and I'm already noticing small yellow tartar spots appearing and it hasn't even been a week.

[Scoobstersmom]

That's awesome that your girl flew through the dental and only lost one tooth. I would definitely ask your vet about the mouth odor though. Just after a dental, her breath should be fresh.


If you are already noticing tartar buildup after a week, you are really going to have to stay on top of those teeth though. My vet recommended the Tropiclean products for dental care. They are available on Amazon for a good price. They have a mint tooth gel for brushing, also a gel that you just put a couple of drops in each side of the mouth and it says no brushing required. I use that occasionally when I'm not in a position to brush my dog's teeth (traveling, etc). My dogs also love their FRESH BREATH PLUS dental treats and usually get one to gnaw on as a bed time snack. Tropiclean also makes a water additive for dental health. Anything you can do at this point will help.


Diana

[kirbybirby]

To me it's not really a horrible awful smell but it is definitely similar to what it smelled like before the cleaning.

Vet said I can't brush her teeth for 2 weeks so I was holding off on that but I will look into the other cleaning stuff. Thanks for the info

[Shicks]

So happy the dental went well. One tooth is amazing.

Tarter after a week isn't good.you will really have to brush her teeth more than once a week. My little guy had a horrible mouth, got his teeth brushed everyday. At 7 when he passed his breath was puppy fresh. Please ask the vet about her smelly breath. Some times it could indicate an under laying Condition. I get to start all over with my new pup. He'll be home Sat. So excited!
Happy brushing.