Case Study: Bella’s Dental Care at DAMC

Patient Name: Bella
Species: Canine
Breed: Golden Retriever
Age: 6 years
Owner: Sarah T.

Presenting Concern

Bella’s owner, Sarah, brought her to Dunedin Animal Medical Center (DAMC) for a routine dental checkup. Sarah mentioned Bella had been reluctant to chew her kibble, preferred softer foods, and occasionally pawed at her mouth. Bella’s appetite had slightly decreased, and she seemed less playful than usual.

Examination Findings

During Bella’s dental examination:

  • Visible Plaque and Tartar: A significant buildup of plaque and tartar was observed, particularly on her upper molars.
  • Gingival Inflammation: Her gums appeared swollen and red, especially around the left side of her upper jaw.
  • Tooth Mobility: One of her upper premolars (P4) was slightly loose.
  • Pain Response: Bella displayed discomfort when the area was probed.

A full oral health assessment and treatment (COHAT) under anesthesia were recommended to determine the extent of the issue.

Treatment Plan

  • Perform a COHAT under anesthesia.
  • Conduct full dental radiographs to assess root health and surrounding bone structure.
  • Scale and polish all teeth to remove plaque and tartar.
  • Extract any teeth deemed non-viable or causing pain.

Sarah agreed to the treatment plan, understanding the importance of addressing Bella’s discomfort to improve her quality of life.

Procedure

  1. Anesthesia and Radiographs: Bella was placed under general anesthesia for her safety and comfort. Dental radiographs revealed significant bone loss around the affected premolar (P4), confirming the need for extraction.
  2. Scaling and Polishing: All teeth were thoroughly cleaned to remove plaque and tartar, preventing further dental disease.
  3. Tooth Extraction: The damaged premolar was extracted with care, and the socket was flushed and sutured to promote healing.
  4. Pain Management: Bella was given long-acting pain relief and a course of antibiotics to prevent infection.

What the Radiographs Revealed

One of the most important aspects of Bella’s case is what the dental X-rays uncovered. To the naked eye, her tooth simply looked a little loose. On radiograph, however, the images told a much more serious story: significant alveolar bone loss extending nearly two-thirds of the way down the root, and early evidence of root resorption at the apex. This level of destruction would have been entirely invisible without radiographic evaluation.

This is precisely why DAMC takes full-mouth dental radiographs for every patient undergoing a dental procedure. Studies estimate that up to 28% of dogs have significant dental pathology detectable only on X-ray. In Bella’s case, treating her without radiographs would have meant scaling her teeth, leaving an abscessed, painful root in place, and sending her home still suffering—while appearing to the owner that the problem had been addressed.

Outcome

Bella recovered smoothly from anesthesia and was discharged the same day with post-operative care instructions. Her owner, Sarah, was advised to feed her soft food for a week and return for a follow-up in 10 days.

Follow-Up

At her follow-up appointment, Bella’s extraction site had healed beautifully. Sarah reported that Bella had regained her appetite and was back to her playful self. Bella no longer avoided kibble and even showed renewed enthusiasm during mealtime.

Key Takeaways for Pet Owners

  • Routine dental checkups are vital for detecting early signs of dental disease before symptoms become severe.
  • Behavioral changes—like food avoidance, pawing at the mouth, or reduced playfulness—are often the first signs of dental pain in dogs.
  • Dental radiographs are not optional extras—they are a fundamental part of a complete dental evaluation.
  • Addressing dental issues promptly, including extractions when necessary, dramatically improves a pet’s quality of life.
  • Home dental care (daily brushing, dental chews with the VOHC seal) between professional cleanings helps slow disease progression.

Bella’s story is a reminder that our pets cannot tell us when something hurts. They rely on us to notice the signs and advocate for their care. If your dog or cat is showing any changes in eating behavior, activity level, or mood, a dental examination could be the most important appointment you make this year.

At Dunedin Animal Medical Center, serving Dunedin, FL and all of Pinellas County, our team is proud to provide comprehensive dental care with the same compassion we would want for our own pets. Schedule Bella’s next dental checkup—or your own pet’s first one—at dunedinamc.com or call us at (727) 738-2273.