Animal Dental Services-Knoxville

11/05/2024

Please join us in January for this amazing opportunity to learn more about veterinary dentistry and anesthesia.

I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be teaching at Animal Dental Services in Knoxville, Tennessee, on January 31, 2025! Join us in the Introduction to Veterinary Dentistry, where we will cover essential topics, including radiology, abbreviations for common pathology and anesthesia for technicians and assistants.

This comprehensive session will feature 2 hours of engaging lectures on dentistry and 2 hours of lectures on anesthesia delivered by our esteemed board-certified anesthesiologist. Plus, you'll gain valuable hands-on experience with 4 hours of dental radiograph training using canine and feline cadavers.

Spots are limited, so be sure to register soon to secure your place!

register: [learvetdentistry.com]

10/27/2024

Don't Let a Cheap Dental Cleaning Cost You More 🩺🪥💸😿

Is it worth the risk?
While it's tempting to opt for the cheapest dental cleaning option, remember that quality care is an investment in your pet's long-term health.
Why Cheap Dental Cleanings Can Be Harmful:
• Incomplete Cleaning: A rushed or poorly trained technician may miss hidden dental issues, leading to more serious problems down the line.
• Lack of Necessary Diagnostics: X-rays and blood work are crucial for identifying underlying conditions and ensuring safe anesthesia.
• Substandard Anesthesia: Inexperienced anesthesia technicians may not be able to provide the level of care needed for a safe procedure.
Invest in Your Pet's Oral Health:
• Comprehensive Dental Exam: Includes a thorough oral examination, dental X-rays, cone beam CT and blood work.
• Professional Cleaning: Removes tartar and plaque buildup, preventing gum disease and tooth loss.
• Pain Management: Ensures your pet is comfortable during and after the procedure.
• Expert Anesthesia: Experienced anesthetist to monitor your pet's vital signs throughout the procedure and a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist always available.
Don't compromise your pet's health for a few dollars. Choose a board-certified veterinary dentist that prioritizes quality of care.
Call to schedule your pet's dental appointment today!

10/25/2024

Why Anesthesia-Free Dental Cleanings Aren't the Best Choice for Your Pet🩺🐕🐈🪥
With the rise in popularity of anesthesia free dentistry a common question we hear is, "Does my pet really need anesthesia for a dental cleaning?" While anesthesia-free dental cleanings might seem appealing, they often compromise the quality of care and can potentially harm your pet.

Why Anesthesia is Essential:
• Thorough Cleaning: Anesthesia allows for comprehensive cleaning, including areas below the gumline that can't be reached without sedation.
• Accurate Diagnosis: Dental X-rays are crucial for identifying issues like tooth decay and periodontal disease. These X-rays can only be taken accurately under anesthesia.
• Safe Procedure: Water is used during dental cleaning, posing a risk of aspiration pneumonia. Anesthesia ensures a safe airway and prevents complications.
• Advanced Monitoring: Anesthesia allows for continuous monitoring of vital signs, ensuring your pet's safety throughout the procedure.

The Benefits of Professional Dental Care:
• Improved Oral Health: Regular dental cleanings can help prevent serious dental problems like tooth loss and gum disease.
• Enhanced Overall Health: Poor oral health can lead to systemic health issues, so it's important to prioritize dental care.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing your pet is receiving the best possible care can alleviate anxiety and stress.

Preparing for Your Pet's Dental Procedure:
Before your pet undergoes any procedure involving sedation or anesthesia, we highly recommend blood work to identify any underlying health conditions. This proactive approach helps ensure a smooth and safe dental experience.

Trust Our Expertise:
With many years of experience, state-of-the-art equipment and a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist on our team we are able to provide the highest quality dental care for your pet. Schedule an appointment today to keep your furry friend's smile healthy and bright!

10/18/2024

Thank you Tricia for all your hard work.

10/17/2024

Thank you Sonya Moser for your hard work

10/16/2024

Today, we recognize and celebrate Diana Schiestel, who has been with us since June 2021. As the outstanding dental assistant leading our Knoxville practice, Diana plays a vital role in every aspect of our operations—from checking in and out clients to performing dental X-rays and everything in between.

Thank you, Diana, for your unwavering dedication and hard work. We deeply appreciate all you do to keep our practice running smoothly. We are so grateful to have you on our team!

10/15/2024

Happy Vet Tech Week to some of the most dedicated professionals we know! We are grateful for our incredible team and are excited to celebrate them throughout the week.

Today, we are proud to highlight Nicole Tuttle, LVMT. Since joining us in November 2019, Nicole has demonstrated remarkable growth in both her passion and expertise, particularly in anesthesia. Her leadership in managing anesthesia in our Knoxville practice gives us complete confidence and peace of mind.

Thank you, Nicole, for your years of commitment and dedication to Animal Dental Services. We truly appreciate everything you do and are honored to have you on our team!

10/14/2024

Continuing needs for East TN -

10/11/2024

Pathologic jaw fractures in dogs can be a serious issue for our canine companions, often caused by underlying dental problems like periodontal disease. When a mandibular tooth has severe periodontal disease or an abscess it creates a weak spot susceptible to fracture from even normal activity. These fractures can lead to significant discomfort and difficulty eating. It is important to diagnose and address periodontal disease early by having an annual dental exam with dental radiographs and cleaning.

Signs of a pathologic jaw fracture may include:
Excessive drooling
Difficulty eating or chewing
Swelling or pain around the jaw
Pawing at the face
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it's important to schedule a visit with your veterinarian. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further complications.

10/10/2024

What A Dog’s Gum Color Reveals About Their Health

Healthy Pink: A Reassuring Sign
The benchmark for canine gums is a vibrant pink hue, indicating adequate blood circulation and oxygenation. When you press on healthy gums, they should briefly lighten in color and then swiftly return to their normal pink shade within a few seconds, signaling robust blood flow and hydration.

Pale of White Gums: A Cause for Alarm
Gums appearing pale pink or white could signify diminished blood flow or red blood cells, potentially indicating anemia, blood loss, or shock. Additional symptoms may include lethargy, weakness, or vomiting. Pale gums often denote a serious underlying issue, necessitating immediate veterinary attention upon detection.

Red Gums: Inflammation or Heat
Red gums may suggest inflammation or infection in the mouth, such as gingivitis, stemming from inadequate dental hygiene or teething in puppies. Bright red gums might also hint at overheating, elevated blood pressure, or poisoning. Persistent redness or accompanying symptoms warrants consultation with your vet.

Blue or Purple Gums: Urgent Situation
Gums displaying a bluish or purplish tint signify a critical lack of oxygen reaching your dog’s tissues, potentially due to heart disease, respiratory problems, or severe allergic reactions. Prompt veterinary intervention is imperative upon observing blue or purple gums to address potentially life-threatening conditions.

Yellow or Brown Tinge: Not Always Dire
Yellow or brown crust along the gumline could simply be tartar buildup, remediable with professional cleaning. However, yellow gums may also indicate jaundice, linked to liver issues or bile duct obstruction. If yellowing coincides with lethargy, vomiting, or changes in eye or skin color, prompt veterinary evaluation is essential.

Black Spots: Typically Breed Specific Coloring
Certain dog breeds, such as Chow Chows and Shar Peis, naturally exhibit black or brown spots on their gums. While typically normal for these breeds, sudden changes or spots accompanied by other symptoms necessitate evaluation by your vet to rule out issues.

How to Properly Monitor Your Dog’s Gums
We recommend routinely lifting the lip of your dog’s gums, gently, to inspect their teeth. When doing so, press and observe the gum’s response. By pressing on the gums, you can assess capillary refill time. Healthy gums will regain their pink color within 1 to 2 seconds. Lastly, healthy gums should be moist, but not sticky or dry.

When Should I Seek Veterinary Help?
If you see sudden changes in gum color, prolonged discoloration or gums, or signs like lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or breathing difficulties, you should have your pet seen by a veterinarian immediately.

Veterinary Dental Care in Knoxville
By vigilantly monitoring your pup’s gum color and promptly addressing any anomalies, you can contribute to a healthy and joyful life for your furry companion. Regular dental checkups, diligent oral hygiene, and swift attention to changes will keep everything running smoothly. At-home monitoring of different gum colors in your dog is pivotal for early detection of any potential health issues. Contact our team today if you have any concerns about your dog’s teeth, gums, or oral health.

08/07/2024

07/26/2024

Why is My Cat’s Mouth Swollen? Understanding the Causes
of Oral Swelling in Cats

Some of the most common reasons are:

Stomatitis: This painful inflammatory condition causes severe inflammation of the gums, tongue, and inner cheeks. Symptoms include bad breath, drooling, difficulty eating, and pawing at the face.
Dental Disease: Just like us, cats can suffer from plaque and tartar buildup, leading to gingivitis (inflamed gums) and periodontitis (inflammation around the tooth root). This can cause swelling, pain, and tooth loss.
Oral Trauma: Cats are curious creatures and can injure their mouths by chewing on foreign objects, falling, or fighting with other animals. This trauma can cause swelling, bleeding, and even broken teeth.
Abscess: A bacterial infection at the root of a tooth can form an abscess, causing swelling, pain, and difficulty eating.
Foreign Objects: Cats can get things stuck in their mouths, like fish bones or splinters. This can cause irritation, swelling, and difficulty removing the object themselves.
Tumors: While less common, tumors in the mouth can also cause swelling.

If you notice your cat has a swollen mouth, here are some steps to take:

Schedule a vet visit immediately: Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for your cat’s comfort and overall health.
Avoid self-treating: Don’t give your cat any medications without consulting your vet.
Monitor your cat’s behavior: Watch for signs of pain like drooling, pawing at the face, difficulty eating, or weight loss.

07/10/2024

Merlin is one of our favorite kitties we see. He is such a good cat!! 😍 You can do anything to this happy boy.

06/26/2024

We love working with Rescued in SC and are excited for Scotti to get a loving home.

06/25/2024

Get ready for 4th of July now!
✅️Make sure your pets are microchipped and your registration is up to date.
✅️Take your pet to the vet now if they need meds.
✅️Talk to your neighbors about not using fireworks.
✅️Make sure your pets have a collar and tag on.
✅️Keep your pet inside.

Keep them safe.

06/25/2024

Follow along for an update on this sweet puppy who returned for surgery today!!!

06/24/2024

Meet Gnocchi! ❤️ Such a cutie and a brave little pup. Gnocchi has a neurologic disorder called Chiari Syndrome, but it is well under control. "Chiari-like malformation (CM) and syringomyelia are components of a structural central nervous system disease syndrome that primarily affects Cavalier King Charles spaniels (CKCS) and other small-breed dogs."
One of the major concerns for this baby boy is making sure his head and neck are not manipulated too much, exacerbating his condition. So in efforts to stabilize his head/neck, our staff had played some arts and crafts to come up with a solution. Loosely wrapped gauze, tongue depressors, and some tape got us a makeshift neck brace. Gnocchi did amazing and had no issues after surgery.

06/22/2024