Missoula Veterinary Dentistry & Oral Surgery

06/19/2024

Javo and Goliath are always excited to come in and help Mom work at the computer, smell all the new smells and get lots of pets from new friends. Do you have any pictures of your pet(s) at work with you?

06/18/2024

Grimm the giant Belgian Malinois was referred to us from the terrific team at for a COHAT (Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment) and imaging to determine why he had several areas where normal adult teeth never erupted. Clinically missing teeth are typically a result of trauma in the first few weeks of life, often caused by a nip from the dam and the teeth either never develop or develop poorly and persist in the bone and cause cysts or other problems. In Grimm's case, both the right maxilla and right mandible had aberrant tooth structures causing bony cysts and trauma to surrounding tissues and his malformed left mandibular first molar was causing a large infection in the bone. All of these areas were relieved of their cysts, infected tissue and malformed and impacted tooth structures. Grimm was a perfect patient and we are pawsitively pleased to be part of his health care team.

06/05/2024

Corgis are known for their attentive nature, intelligence and undeniably adorable hind end. Folklore suggests these magnificent beasts were once used by the fairy kingdom as mounts. We can only imagine the fear(?) they instilled in the fairies’ enemies.
We had a Corgi party today with puppy Colby Jack in for extractions of infected deciduous teeth and composite tips to prevent traumatic contact among his permanent teeth due to his malocclusion.
Sweet Lola came to see us for periodontal evaluation and treatment for advanced periodontitis and non-vital maxillary fourth premolars fractured by chewing on bones. Colby Jack and Lola were both star patients and we are so pleased their guardians trusted us with their dental health.

06/04/2024

06/04/2024

If kitties kisses aren't as sweet as they used to be, give us a call to schedule a consultation. Studies show that 50-90% of cats older than 4 are experiencing some form of dental disease. Fortunately the most common forms of these diseases are preventable or treatable with appropriate preventative dental care. The 3 most common dental diseases in cats are gingivitis, periodontitis and tooth resorption. Dental disease in cat's can be very painful and can impact our fangtastic felines quality of life so it's important to have a Board Certified Veterinary Dentist as part of kitties health care team.

06/03/2024

Kind Koga and his aeroplane ears came to see Dr. Block for a COHAT (Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment), root canal therapy for his upper left canine tooth and extractions of a few non-vital teeth. Koga was a perfect gentleman and we are so pleased to be part of his healthcare team.

05/30/2024

Little Otis was referred to us by the terrific team at Missoula Veterinary Clinic for surgical extraction of persistent retained deciduous (baby) teeth that were causing abnormal positioning of his permanent (adult) teeth. Dr. Block also extracted 2 of his adult incisors that were impeding the eruption of his mandibular canine teeth. This sweet baby was a perfect patient and we all enjoyed spending some quality snuggle time with him.

05/29/2024

Sweet Samson enjoyed lots of scratches and love while he was in for root canal therapy on his fractured canine tooth. He was a perfect patient and we know why Mom was so anxious to get him back home.

05/27/2024

Thank you to the brave men, women and canines who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
"In the end, we will not remember the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends" Martin Luther King Jr.

05/25/2024

Fabulous Finn was referred to us by the crew at Calm Animal Care Veterinary Clinic for a fractured canine tooth. Dr. Block was able to save his tooth with root canal therapy and Finn's owners opted to protect their investment with a dental crown by . Finn was a star patient for his root canal and coronation and we're sure his competition in the agility ring will be blinded by his bright smile and fast moves.

05/24/2024

Precious Olive was referred to us by the magnificent crew at Mountain Vista Veterinary Services for imaging of a fluid filled mass below her right eye. Dr. Block utilized our cone beam CT to reveal an odontogenic cyst (an epithelial-lined pathologic cavity surrounded by fibrous connective tissue that originate from odontogenic tissue that occur in tooth-bearing regions of maxilla and mandible). Dr. Block removed the cyst, much of the bony expansion and the 3 local teeth associated with it. While she was here we also ultrasonically scaled, hand scaled, polished and charted her remaining teeth. Olive was a perfect patient and we all enjoyed spending some quality snuggle time with her.

05/24/2024

We are so proud of our team!

05/23/2024

No more bananas for Weldin!
Weldin was referred to us from the amazing crew at On Point Veterinary Services for carnassial root canal therapy and extractions. This boy loves bananas as treats, but he had developed a carie (also known as a cavity) as a result of this sweet treat. Dr. Block removed the decayed portion of his tooth then applied a composite filling to keep this boy’s smooches as sweet as he is. Weldin was a perfect gentleman and we are so pleased to be part of his healthcare team. Jen, one of our LVT's was able to provide some belly rubbing therapy prior to his procedure.

05/20/2024

Celebrate by going to your local shelter and visiting some of the amazing dogs looking for homes, maybe you'll meet your match.🩷
You and your new furred friend can discuss who really rescued who.....


🐶

05/17/2024

Minty Parsley Dog and Cat Treats by
1 large egg 1 cup canned pumpkin puree 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
3 cups whole wheat flour 1/2 cup fresh mint (or 2 TBSP and 2 tsp dried)
1/4 cup fresh parsley (or 2 TBSP dried)
*Optional For Cats add 2 TBSP dried catnip*
Preheat oven to 350*F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. In the bowl of an electric mixer with paddle attachment beat egg, pumpkin puree and applesauce until blended. Gradually add 2 and 1/2 cups flour while beating on low speed until flour is incorporated. Add parsley and mint (+/-catnip) and beat on low speed until just mixed in, add 1/4 cup flour at a time until the dough is no longer sticky. On a lightly floured surface knead dough until it comes together and is workable adding more flour as needed to reach desired consistency. Using a rolling pin roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut dough into desired shapes and place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake treats for 20-25* minutes or until golden brown.Baking time will vary depending on the size of the treats. Smaller cat size treats may be done in as little as 10-15 minutes.

05/15/2024

Beautiful Blue was referred to us by the terrific team at for evaluation and treatment of a malocclusion. The malocclusion was causing painful tooth contacts in the upper and lower incisor area. Dr. Block extracted selective incisors to alleviate these abnormal contact points and Blue's teeth were
ultrasonically scaled, hand scaled and polished and she was sent home with a brighter and more comfortable smile.

05/14/2024

Nelson wants everyone to know that today is Chihuahua appreciation day! This pawfectly good boy was referred to us by the amazing crew at The Animal Center Veterinary Hospital in Helena for a dental cleaning and some extractions.

05/13/2024

Our friend Copper was referred to us by the magnificent crew at Missoula Veterinary Clinic for a dental cleaning with extractions. This sweet dedushka was a pawfect gentleman and we are so pleased to be part of his healthcare team.

05/10/2024

Riley was referred to us by the amazing team at Friends Animal Hospital and Urgent Care Center for extractions of teeth affected by periodontitis and tooth resorption. Our full mouth x-rays and Cone Beam CT revealed internal resorption and bone loss affecting 6 of her teeth. Dr. Block extracted the affected teeth and her remaining teeth were hand scaled, ultrasonically scaled and polished. Riley was a star patient and we are so pleased to have been able to help her shine.

05/09/2024

Lovely, little Lizzy was referred to us by the marvelous crew at Missoula Veterinary Clinic for a COHAT (Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment) with possible extractions. Fortunately for Lizzy all of her teeth were stable and no extractions were required and Lizzy was able to go home with all of the teeth she came in with. Lizzy was a pawfect patient and we are so pleased to be part of her healthcare team.

05/04/2024

Fett's inherited Mandalorian armor couldn't protect his canine tooth from fracturing. Fortunately Dr. Block is well versed in the force (of veterinary dentistry) and was able to perform root canal therapy to save his tooth. This handsome bounty hunter stole our hearts with his sweet disposition. We are grateful the crew at for sending this pawfect boy our way.

05/03/2024

05/01/2024

This Month is devoted to celebrating our precious pets who bring joy and love to our lives every day. Furred, feathered or scaled we love them all!
🐶🐱🐭🐹🐰🐸🐴🐢🐍🦎🦜🐟
❤️🩷🧡💛💚💙🩵🧡💚💜💙🩷

04/30/2024

Sweet Sapphire was referred to us by Ambrose Veterinary Clinic for a Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT). During her oral exam Dr. Block noted a non-vital incisor that had fractured into the pulp (ouch). The diseased tooth was extracted and the rest of Sapphire's teeth were hand scaled, ultrasonically scaled and polished. This precious gem was a perfect patient and we are pawsitivly pleased to be part of her health care team.

04/24/2024

Veterinary Receptionist Week is celebrated the last full week of April each year. This is the pawfect time to spotlight and appreciate client service representatives in pet hospitals everywhere. Thank you for all you do!

04/23/2024

Rocky who is definitely not a raccoon was referred to us by the crew at Missoula Veterinary Clinic for a dental cleaning and possible extractions. Fortunately with the help of our Cone Beam CT and full mouth x-rays, Dr. Block was able to see that all of Rocky's teeth were stable and healthy and he flew through his dental procedure with no problem. This brave boy was the bestest patient and we are so happy to be part of his health care team.

04/22/2024

Here are a few easy ways you and your furry friend can celebrate Earth Day!
🚶‍♀️Go for a walk and pick up any litter or garbage you find.
🌳Plant a tree
🐱Donate used blankets and towels to local animal shelters or the humane society
🐶Purchase Eco-Friendly products (biodegradable p**p bags)
🐾Purchase Recyclable or sustainably sourced toys or support B-Corp companies
🐝Use plant based cleaning products
🌻Purchase H**p based leashes and collars
🦋 Recycle containers and pet food packaging

04/21/2024

Another week, another beautiful crown made by . Cypress the gentle giant was referred to us from the amazing team at All Creatures Veterinary Clinic in Spokane Wa. for root canal therapy followed by this beautiful crown to protect his treated tooth. Cypress was a perfect gentleman and a pleasure to work with.