Veterinary Dentistry: Improving Patient Health and Comfort
Veterinary dentistry plays an essential role in providing quality care for your patients. Dental disease is one of the most common issues in companion animals and can have serious impacts on the pet’s long-term health.
In this article, we’ll discuss how veterinary dentistry can improve patient health and comfort. We’ll also go over what you need to know before investing in new dental equipment for your practice.
The Importance of Veterinary Dentistry
Veterinary dentistry is about more than just improving your patient’s breath. As a veterinarian, you know that plaque and tartar buildup can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. In severe cases of periodontal disease, this bacteria can enter your patient’s bloodstream and cause systemic concerns.
Additionally, dental disease can be painful and affect your patient’s day-to-day activities. Some pets experience pain and discomfort while eating due to their poor oral health. This can cause the pet to lose interest in food and even lose weight. Unfortunately, without proper treatment, their health will continue to deteriorate.
By removing plaque and tartar buildup, veterinary dentistry plays a significant role in improving the long-term health of your patients. Prophylactic cleanings can reduce the risk of severe disease and allow for a more thorough oral exam.
While preventative care is essential, advanced dental procedures can also play a critical role in improving patient health and comfort. In some cases, dental extractions are necessary to reduce pain and can drastically improve your patient’s quality of life.
Improving Dental Health and Patient Care
Understanding the importance of dentistry is only part of the equation when it comes to improving your patient’s health. The next step is to ensure your patients get the dental care they need. This is often a multifaceted issue that involves improving client education, offering various dental services, and staying up to date on the latest techniques and equipment. Here are a few of the ways you can help address these issues and improve the health of your patients.
• Client Education
Many pet owners do not understand the significant impact dental care can have on their pet’s long-term health. As a result, pet owners are often hesitant to invest in expensive dental procedures. When addressing your patient’s dental needs, take the time to discuss the importance of dental health with your client. Improving their understanding of the benefits your services provide can improve the chances of getting your patient the care they need.
When discussing dental health with your clients, it’s also important to mention how dental care can improve their pet’s comfort and overall well-being. Many owners overlook the signs of dental pain and underestimate its effects on their pet’s day-to-day life.
Helping your clients understand the importance of veterinary dentistry can improve the likelihood they will approve their pet’s dental procedures. Additionally, focusing on client education can strengthen your relationship with your clients and help you continue to provide the quality care their pets deserve.
• Expanding Your Dental Services
Expanding your dental services allows you to better serve the patients in your care and can be a significant source of income for your practice. As you consider what dental services to provide, keep in mind that some procedures may require additional equipment or training.
Continuing education (CE) and wet labs can be a great way to learn new techniques and sharpen your dental skills. In addition to doing your own CE, it’s also critical to make sure your technicians and staff are properly trained.
Investing in Dental Equipment
Whether you’re a general practitioner or dental specialist, your dental equipment plays a critical role in the quality of care you are able to provide. When investing in dental equipment, it’s important to consider who will be using the equipment, what services you want to offer, and any required maintenance. Dental equipment can be costly, so it’s essential to do your research and invest in quality products.
For many veterinary practices, the primary concern with dental equipment is the initial cost. However, the initial cost of equipment isn’t the only number that matters. When comparing products, make sure you consider any maintenance or repair costs that the equipment may require. While higher-end equipment may have a higher upfront cost, it will typically last longer and have fewer maintenance issues. Not only is this a financial win, but it also allows you to continue to provide quality patient care with fewer interruptions due to equipment issues.
Other significant advantages of investing in quality equipment include the ability to improve patient comfort, improve efficiency, and decrease procedure time. Dull or damaged equipment can make it difficult to perform necessary procedures and result in increased trauma to your patient’s mouth. Superior equipment allows you to get the job done with less force and effort. Additionally, having the right tools can make you more efficient and decrease the amount of time your patient spends under anesthesia. This can significantly reduce the risk of anesthetic complications and improve patient recovery.
Dentalaire Ultimate Cart
If you are interested in expanding your dental services and improving patient care, the Dentalaire Ultimate Cart is a great option for your growing practice. With over 30 years of experience, Intriquip Instruments understands the importance of reliable equipment, and we are proud to offer this unique product.
With its wide variety of dental tools, the Dentalaire Ultimate Cart will ensure you have the right tools to care for your patient’s needs. The system is complete with a low-speed polishing handpick with a prophy angle as well as a high-speed fiberoptic handpick with a push-button turbine. The cart also includes a built-in water system and a silent air compressor.
Summary
Veterinary dentistry is an essential part of preventative care and plays a critical role in your patient’s long-term health. Thorough oral exams and prophylactic cleanings can significantly reduce the risk of periodontal disease. Additionally, having the appropriate tools to care for more complicated cases can help improve patient comfort and overall well-being.
For more information about the Dentalaire Ultimate Cart or other dental equipment we offer, please reach out to one of our product specialists. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you care for your patient’s dental needs.