The Vet Dental Show

Latest Episodes:

Episode 227 - The Extraction Mistake That Can Fracture a Mandible Jun 03, 2026

Show notes

Looking to strengthen your veterinary dentistry skills and improve patient outcomes? Access our FREE RACE-accredited online veterinary dentistry course and join thousands of veterinary professionals advancing their dental knowledge. https://ivdi.org/free

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Host: Dr. Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, DAAPM

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This week's episode tackles some of the most challenging extraction scenarios encountered in veterinary practice. Dr. Brett Beckman answers clinician-submitted questions on managing ankylosed roots, performing mandibular canine extractions safely, preventing jaw fractures, and handling complications when fractures occur during surgery.

Drawing from decades of clinical and teaching experience, Dr. Beckman explains the surgical principles behind difficult extractions, including bone removal strategies, handpiece positioning, patient luxation techniques, and when referral is the best option. The discussion also highlights the importance of deliberate skill development, cadaver practice, and case selection as veterinarians build confidence in advanced dental procedures.

What You'll Learn in This Episode 🎯 How to approach extraction of ankylosed roots in veterinary patients 🎯 Why mandibular ankylosis cases can be significantly more challenging than maxillary extractions 🎯 When brachycephalic dogs with ankylosed mandibular teeth should be referred 🎯 Proper handpiece angulation during mandibular canine extractions 🎯 How bone removal improves access and reduces extraction difficulty 🎯 Why slow, sustained luxation is safer than excessive force 🎯 Realistic expectations for extraction times while developing surgical skills 🎯 How cadaver training accelerates extraction proficiency 🎯 Techniques for preventing mandibular fractures during canine extractions 🎯 What to do when a tooth fractures during extraction 🎯 Immediate management of mandibular fractures that occur intraoperatively 🎯 When conservative management may be appropriate versus referral

Key Veterinary Dentistry Takeaways 🔑 Ankylosed roots require creation of a surgical tooth-bone interface through careful bone removal 🔑 Mandibular ankylosis cases often carry higher risk and greater technical difficulty 🔑 Brachycephalic dogs with mandibular ankylosis are frequently referral-level cases 🔑 Proper handpiece positioning improves visibility and allows safer bone removal 🔑 Long-duration elevation with controlled pressure reduces the likelihood of complications 🔑 Excessive torque increases the risk of mandibular fracture and extraction failure 🔑 Cadaver practice provides valuable experience before performing advanced procedures clinically 🔑 Root fractures can sometimes improve visualization and facilitate continued extraction 🔑 Hemorrhage control is an important first step when mandibular fractures occur 🔑 Advanced dentistry skills develop through repetition, training, and progressive case experience

Questions This Episode Answers ❓ How do you remove ankylosed roots safely? ❓ Why are mandibular ankylosis cases more difficult than maxillary cases? ❓ When should ankylosed extractions be referred to a veterinary dentist? ❓ What handpiece angle is recommended for mandibular canine extraction? ❓ How much bone should be removed during difficult canine extractions? ❓ How long should elevator pressure be maintained during luxation? ❓ What increases the risk of mandibular fracture during extraction? ❓ What should you do if a root fractures during surgery? ❓ How do you manage a mandibular fracture that occurs during extraction? ❓ When can severely compromised mandibles be managed conservatively?

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Ready to take your dentistry skills further?

🎓 FREE RACE-Approved CE Course https://ivdi.org/free

🦷 Live & Online Veterinary Dental Courses https://veterinarydentistry.net/

🛠️ Dr. Brett's Trusted Equipment & Instruments https://drbrettspets.com/

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veterinary dental extractions, ankylosed root extraction dog, mandibular canine extraction veterinary dentistry, mandibular fracture during extraction, veterinary oral surgery, difficult tooth extractions dog, brachycephalic dental extraction, veterinary dentistry CE, canine tooth extraction techniques, veterinary dental surgery training, veterinary dentistry for general practitioners, jaw fracture prevention veterinary dentistry, root fracture management veterinary extraction, advanced veterinary dentistry, Dr Brett Beckman veterinary dentistry

Episode 226 - Why Root Tips Keep Breaking During Extractions May 27, 2026

Show notes

Don't miss out on your RACE-approved CE—completely free. Strengthen your veterinary dentistry skills with practical, case-based training you can apply immediately in practice. https://ivdi.org/free

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Host: Dr. Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, DAAPM

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This week's episode answers some of the most common surgical extraction questions submitted during recent veterinary dentistry trainings. Dr. Brett Beckman shares practical guidance for improving extraction technique in general practice, with a focus on flap elevation, bone removal, luxation technique, fractured root tip retrieval, and surgical decision-making during difficult extractions.

The conversation centers around real-world challenges veterinarians encounter during canine and maxillary tooth extractions—including managing soft tissue attached during flap creation, how deep to remove bone around roots, preventing root fractures, and approaching difficult maxillary fourth premolar and molar extractions safely and efficiently.

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What You'll Learn in This Episode 🎯 Why tissue can remain attached during flap creation—especially during mandibular canine extractions 🎯 How muscle attachment affects exposure in mandibular canine surgical extractions 🎯 How much bone should be removed around roots before elevation 🎯 Why the "banana" analogy helps guide circumferential bone removal 🎯 How long to maintain elevator pressure during extractions 🎯 Why larger roots require longer sustained luxation time 🎯 How controlled pressure helps prevent root fracture during extraction 🎯 Tips for avoiding fractured mesio-palatal root tips in maxillary fourth premolars 🎯 Surgical approach for retrieving fractured palatal root tips safely 🎯 How to approach sectioning and extraction of the last maxillary molars 🎯 Why visualization, magnification, and patience are critical during oral surgery

Key Veterinary Dentistry Takeaways 🔑 Mandibular canine extractions often require additional flap reflection because muscle can remain tightly adhered to bone 🔑 Adequate surgical exposure before bone removal makes extractions faster and safer 🔑 Bone removal should extend slightly beyond halfway around many roots to improve elevation success 🔑 Sustained pressure is more effective than forceful luxation during difficult extractions 🔑 Releasing pressure too early reduces movement because bone and periodontal ligament rebound quickly 🔑 Larger tooth roots require longer elevation time before repositioning instruments 🔑 Fractured palatal root tips can often be avoided with slower, more patient luxation technique 🔑 Safe root retrieval depends on understanding regional anatomy and avoiding nearby neurovascular structures 🔑 Sectioning maxillary molars properly improves access and simplifies extraction of individual roots 🔑 Magnification and lighting allow clinicians to see subtle tooth movement and work more precisely

Questions This Episode Answers ❓ Why does tissue sometimes stay attached during flap creation? ❓ Why are mandibular canine extractions especially challenging? ❓ How deep should bone removal go during surgical extraction? ❓ How long should elevator pressure be held during difficult extractions? ❓ What helps prevent fractured root tips during maxillary fourth premolar extraction? ❓ How do you retrieve a fractured mesio-palatal root safely? ❓ Do last maxillary molars need to be sectioned before extraction? ❓ What makes maxillary molar root removal easier after sectioning? ❓ How can better visualization improve extraction success? ❓ What role does patience play during surgical extractions?

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Ready to take your dentistry skills further?

🎓 FREE RACE-Approved CE Course https://ivdi.org/free

🦷 Live & Online Veterinary Dental Courses https://veterinarydentistry.net/

🛠️ Dr. Brett's Trusted Equipment & Instruments https://drbrettspets.com/

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veterinary dental extractions, veterinary dentistry CE, mandibular canine extraction dog, maxillary fourth premolar extraction dog, fractured root tip removal veterinary dentistry, veterinary oral surgery, dog tooth extraction techniques, veterinary flap design, veterinary root tip retrieval, veterinary dental surgery training, veterinary dentistry for general practitioners, maxillary molar extraction dog, veterinary extraction complications, surgical tooth extraction veterinary medicine, Dr Brett Beckman veterinary dentistry

Episode 225 - Why Mandibular Canine Extractions Go Wrong May 20, 2026

Show notes

Don't miss out on your RACE-approved CE—completely free. Strengthen your veterinary dentistry skills with practical, case-based training you can apply immediately in practice. https://ivdi.org/free

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Host: Dr. Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, DAAPM

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This week's episode tackles some of the most challenging and frequently misunderstood topics in veterinary dental extractions. Dr. Brett Beckman answers clinician-submitted questions from recent online trainings, focusing heavily on mandibular canine extractions, retained root tips, extraction instrumentation, mouth gag safety, and local anesthesia protocols in veterinary dentistry.

The episode also explores when retained root tips should be monitored rather than surgically removed, how vet tomes can significantly improve extraction efficiency, and practical considerations for loupe selection and safer oral surgery workflows in general practice.

What You'll Learn in This Episode 🎯 Why mandibular canine extractions are especially difficult in large dogs 🎯 How the mandibular canal limits safe bone removal during extractions 🎯 Why entering the tooth instead of the periodontal space causes major extraction complications 🎯 How sustained luxation pressure improves extraction success 🎯 The difference between luxators, elevators, and hybrid instruments 🎯 When retained root tips should be monitored versus surgically removed 🎯 What radiographic findings suggest retained roots are problematic 🎯 How vet tomes improve extraction efficiency and reduce bone removal 🎯 Why mandibular first molars present similar extraction challenges 🎯 Which patients benefit most from mechanical periotomes 🎯 How to safely use mouth gags without causing trigeminal neuropathy 🎯 Which loupe systems are recommended for veterinary dentistry 🎯 Why ropivacaine may be preferable for extended dental blocks

Key Veterinary Dentistry Takeaways 🔑 Mandibular canine extractions require conservative bone removal due to the proximity of the mandibular canal and neurovascular structures 🔑 One of the most common extraction mistakes is entering the tooth rather than maintaining the correct bone-tooth interface 🔑 Difficult extractions often require prolonged, sustained pressure instead of excessive force 🔑 Hybrid elevators can assist with both periodontal ligament breakdown and tooth elevation 🔑 Retained root tips are not always surgical emergencies if they are fully healed and radiographically stable 🔑 Periapical lucency is one of the most important indicators of retained root pathology 🔑 Vet tomes can significantly decrease extraction time and reduce surgical trauma 🔑 Mechanical periotomes are especially valuable in mandibular canine and first molar extractions 🔑 Mouth gags should never excessively force the jaw open due to the risk of trigeminal neuropathy 🔑 Custom loupes can improve ergonomics and visualization for veterinarians performing frequent dentistry procedures

Questions This Episode Answers ❓ Why are mandibular canine extractions so difficult in dogs? ❓ How far can you safely remove bone during mandibular extractions? ❓ What causes extraction procedures to become prolonged and frustrating? ❓ How long should elevator pressure be maintained during difficult extractions? ❓ When is it acceptable to leave retained root tips behind? ❓ What radiographic changes indicate retained root pathology? ❓ What is a vet tome and how does it work? ❓ Which extractions benefit most from mechanical periotomes? ❓ Are mouth gags safe during veterinary dental procedures? ❓ How can veterinarians avoid trigeminal neuropathy during oral surgery? ❓ Which loupes are best for veterinary dentistry?

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Ready to take your dentistry skills further?

🎓 FREE RACE-Approved CE Course https://ivdi.org/free

🦷 Live & Online Veterinary Dental Courses https://veterinarydentistry.net/

🛠️ Dr. Brett's Trusted Equipment & Instruments https://drbrettspets.com/

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Episode 224 - Are Your Dental Patients Too Deep Under Anesthesia? May 13, 2026

Show notes

Don't miss out on your RACE-approved CE—completely free. Strengthen your veterinary dentistry skills with practical, case-based training you can apply immediately in practice. Visit: https://ivdi.org/free

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Host: Dr. Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, DAAPM Guest: Annie Mills, LVT

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This week's episode answers some of the most common and clinically relevant veterinary dentistry questions submitted during recent online trainings. Annie Mills shares practical guidance for general practice teams on anesthesia management, patient warming, dental recovery protocols, pain management, and technician involvement in advanced dental workflows.

The discussion begins with strategies for preventing hypothermia during lengthy dental procedures, including how to maximize thermal support in small patients undergoing advanced periodontal treatment and full mouth extractions. Annie explains why maintaining body temperature directly impacts recovery quality and anesthetic safety, especially in cats and small breed dogs.

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What You'll Learn in This Episode 🎯 How to prevent hypothermia during long veterinary dental procedures 🎯 Why warm IV fluids improve anesthetic recovery 🎯 How full-body warming systems support patient temperature stability 🎯 When full mouth extractions may need to be staged 🎯 Which anesthetic parameters guide intraoperative decision-making 🎯 Why lighter anesthesia planes are preferred during oral surgery 🎯 How dental nerve blocks reduce inhalant anesthetic requirements 🎯 Whether veterinary dental patients should be fed before discharge 🎯 Why post-operative pain medication remains essential after extractions 🎯 How veterinary technicians can assist with dental charting and pathology recognition 🎯 Why anxious patients may benefit from modified intake and recovery protocols 🎯 Why even routine prophylaxis patients often require pain management planning

Key Veterinary Dentistry Takeaways 🔑 Maintaining body temperature is critical for safe anesthesia and smoother recovery in veterinary dental patients 🔑 Warm IV fluids and dual-sided warming systems can significantly reduce intraoperative hypothermia 🔑 Most full mouth extraction patients can safely complete procedures without staging when properly monitored 🔑 Patient temperature, blood pressure, and anesthetic depth should guide procedural decisions in real time 🔑 Nerve blocks allow clinicians to maintain lighter anesthesia planes during advanced oral surgery 🔑 Veterinary technicians play an important role in identifying obvious pathology and initiating dental charting 🔑 Dental radiographs help technicians recognize extraction sites, tooth resorption, and missing or unerupted teeth 🔑 Reducing patient anxiety improves recovery quality and client satisfaction 🔑 Pain management protocols should assume underlying pathology exists until proven otherwise 🔑 Routine prophylaxis patients frequently require treatment beyond simple cleaning once diagnostics are completed

Questions This Episode Answers ❓ How can veterinary teams prevent hypothermia during dental procedures? ❓ Why are warm IV fluids helpful during anesthesia? ❓ When should full mouth extractions be staged? ❓ What temperature changes may require aborting a procedure? ❓ Should veterinary dental patients be fed before discharge? ❓ Are post-operative pain medications always necessary after extractions? ❓ Why are lighter anesthesia planes preferred during oral surgery? ❓ How do nerve blocks improve anesthetic safety? ❓ Can veterinary technicians perform dental charting? ❓ What pathology should technicians recognize on dental radiographs? ❓ How can practices reduce anxiety in veterinary dental patients? ❓ Why do even routine prophylaxis patients often require pain management?

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Ready to take your dentistry skills further? 🎓 FREE 1 CE Course: https://ivdi.org/free Sign up for the newsletter for weekly clinical insights

🦷 Live & Online Veterinary Dental Courses https://veterinarydentistry.net/

🛠️ Dr. Brett's Trusted Equipment & Instruments https://drbrettspets.com/

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veterinary dental anesthesia, veterinary dental hypothermia, veterinary dentistry recovery protocols, full mouth extractions dogs, veterinary dental nerve blocks, veterinary dental pain management, veterinary technician dental charting, veterinary dental radiographs, anesthesia monitoring veterinary dentistry, veterinary oral surgery recovery, veterinary dentistry CE course, veterinary dental warming techniques, small dog anesthesia dentistry, feline dental anesthesia, veterinary dentistry Q&A

Episode 223 - Hidden Dental Disease: X-Rays, Extractions & Antibiotics May 06, 2026

Show notes

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Host: Dr. Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, DAAPM Guest: Annie Mills, LVT

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This week's episode answers real veterinary dentistry questions from recent online trainings, with a focus on the clinical decisions that often create uncertainty in general practice. Annie Mills, LVT, discusses how to determine when a tooth should be extracted, how to interpret deep periodontal pockets, and why dental radiographs are essential before making treatment decisions.

The conversation also covers antibiotic use in veterinary dentistry, including why antibiotics should not be dispensed automatically for every dental procedure. Annie explains when intraoperative antibiotics may be appropriate, when post-operative antibiotics are justified, and why patient immune status matters.

You'll also hear an important discussion about young small-breed dogs and hidden periodontal disease. Even when the mouth looks normal on gross exam, significant disease can exist below the gumline. This episode reinforces why early probing, dental X-rays, and individualized follow-up protocols can prevent more severe disease and future extractions.

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What You'll Learn in This Episode 🎯 Why pocket depth alone should not determine whether a tooth is extracted 🎯 How radiographic bone loss guides extraction decisions 🎯 Why 50% or greater bone loss is typically an extraction indication 🎯 How maxillary canine teeth can hide significant palatal bone loss 🎯 When deep periodontal pockets may indicate severe underlying disease 🎯 Why puppies with malocclusion do not automatically need scaling 🎯 When polishing may be appropriate without unnecessary instrumentation 🎯 Why routine antibiotics are often overused in dental cases 🎯 Which patients may require post-operative antibiotics 🎯 Why young small-breed dogs need early dental assessment and radiographs

Key Veterinary Dentistry Takeaways 🔑 Extraction decisions should be based on gross pathology, periodontal probing, and dental radiographs—not pocket depth alone 🔑 Bone loss is one of the most important indicators when determining whether a tooth is salvageable 🔑 Maxillary canine teeth require careful evaluation because palatal bone loss may be underestimated radiographically 🔑 Scaling clean enamel is unnecessary and should be avoided when plaque or calculus is not present 🔑 Antibiotics should be used case-by-case, not automatically after every dental cleaning 🔑 Advanced periodontal infection may justify intraoperative IV antibiotics, especially when pus, severe odor, or active infection is present 🔑 Post-operative antibiotics are generally reserved for immunocompromised patients or cases with specific clinical indications 🔑 Young small-breed dogs can have significant periodontal disease before obvious calculus or gingivitis is visible 🔑 Early diagnosis can change the patient's lifelong dental plan and reduce future extraction risk

Questions This Episode Answers ❓ Should a tooth be extracted based on pocket depth alone? ❓ How much bone loss indicates that extraction is necessary? ❓ Why are dental radiographs essential for periodontal assessment? ❓ What makes maxillary canine teeth difficult to evaluate? ❓ What does a 9, 10, or 12 mm periodontal pocket suggest clinically? ❓ Should puppies undergoing malocclusion treatment also be scaled and polished? ❓ Are antibiotics necessary after every veterinary dental cleaning? ❓ When are intraoperative IV antibiotics appropriate in dentistry? ❓ Which patients may need post-operative antibiotics after dental surgery? ❓ Why can young small-breed dogs have hidden periodontal disease?

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Ready to take your dentistry skills further? 🎓 FREE 1 CE Course: https://ivdi.org/free Sign up for the newsletter for weekly clinical insights

🦷 Live & Online Veterinary Dental Courses https://veterinarydentistry.net/

🛠️ Dr. Brett's Trusted Equipment & Instruments https://drbrettspets.com/

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veterinary dental radiographs, veterinary tooth extraction guidelines, periodontal pocket depth dogs, bone loss dog teeth, veterinary dental antibiotics, antibiotic stewardship veterinary dentistry, small breed dog periodontal disease, hidden dental disease dogs, maxillary canine bone loss dog, dental X-rays dogs, veterinary dentistry Q&A, puppy malocclusion dental care, clindamycin veterinary dental infection, Clavamox dental infection dog, veterinary dental CE course

Episode 222 - Are You Managing Dental Cases the Wrong Way? Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

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Host: Dr. Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, DAAPM

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This week's episode takes a deep dive into real clinical questions coming directly from recent training sessions. Instead of theory, you'll hear straightforward, experience-backed answers to the kinds of decisions you face daily—from product selection to extraction timing and case management nuances.

In this practical Q&A session, Dr. Beckman addresses some of the most common uncertainties in general practice veterinary dentistry. Topics range from choosing regenerative periodontal products to making judgment calls on retained root fragments and tooth resorption cases.

The episode also explores how efficiency in extractions develops over time, what realistic expectations should be for procedural timing, and how clinicians can build confidence through proper training. Whether you're working in private practice or a low-cost clinic setting, this discussion highlights how to balance ideal care with real-world limitations while still achieving strong clinical outcomes.

What You'll Learn in This Episode 🎯 Why hyaluronic acid-based products outperform bone graft substitutes in periodontal therapy 🎯 When it is clinically acceptable to leave retained root fragments—and when it is not 🎯 How to approach periodontal treatment in cost-constrained environments 🎯 Realistic extraction time benchmarks for maxillary fourth premolars 🎯 The role of training and repetition in improving surgical efficiency 🎯 How to evaluate canine tooth resorption based on age and lesion progression 🎯 Key indicators that shift a case from monitoring to extraction

Key Veterinary Dentistry Takeaways 🔑 Hyaluronic acid gels provide superior regenerative benefits for periodontal pockets compared to more complex grafting materials 🔑 Retained roots can be monitored only if fully healed and non-pathologic, but require ongoing radiographic follow-up 🔑 Extraction efficiency improves dramatically with structured training and repetition—not shortcuts 🔑 Cost constraints don't eliminate care options—proper root planing and curettage still provide meaningful benefit 🔑 Tooth resorption decisions should factor in patient age and proximity to crown involvement, not just radiographic appearance 🔑 Investing in dentistry skills can significantly elevate your clinical value and career trajectory

Questions This Episode Answers ❓ Is PerioVive truly better than alternative products like Restoris? ❓ Can I safely leave root fragments if they appear healed? ❓ What's a reasonable extraction time for a maxillary fourth premolar? ❓ How should low-cost clinics approach periodontal therapy? ❓ When should canine tooth resorption be treated versus monitored? ❓ How long does it realistically take to become efficient at extractions?

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Ready to take your dentistry skills further?

🎓 FREE 1 CE Course: https://ivdi.org/free Sign up for the newsletter for weekly clinical insights

🦷 Live & Online Veterinary Dental Courses https://veterinarydentistry.net/

🛠️ Dr. Brett's Trusted Equipment & Instruments https://drbrettspets.com/

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💬 Enjoyed this episode? Share your biggest takeaway in the comments and let us know what clinical questions you want answered next.

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veterinary dentistry Q&A, periodontal therapy dogs, PerioVive vs Restoris veterinary, retained root fragments dogs, canine tooth resorption treatment, veterinary tooth extraction time, low cost veterinary dental care, veterinary dental wet lab training, dog maxillary fourth premolar extraction, veterinary dental CE course

Episode 221 - How Long Do Dog Dental Crowns Really Last? Apr 22, 2026

Show notes

🎓 FREE Live Training for Veterinary Professionals Want to sharpen your radiographic interpretation skills? Join Dr. Beckman for a FREE live session packed with practical insights and real case applications—plus a live Q&A. Register now: https://ivdi.org/rad

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Host: Dr. Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, DAAPM

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In this week's episode of The Vet Dental Show, we tackle some of the most common—and clinically important—questions surrounding restorative dentistry and endodontic decision-making in general practice. From crown durability to when a fractured tooth warrants referral, this discussion delivers clarity on topics that directly impact patient outcomes and client communication.

This Q&A-driven episode explores real-world clinical scenarios faced by veterinarians managing dental trauma and disease. Dr. Beckman breaks down expectations for crown longevity, reviews the time-sensitive nature of vital pulp therapy, and outlines clear indicators for when referral for root canal therapy is appropriate.

The conversation also dives into client communication strategies—particularly when pets appear asymptomatic despite significant pathology—and reinforces the importance of radiographic interpretation in guiding treatment decisions. Additionally, practical recommendations are provided for handling fractured deciduous teeth and evaluating cases with tertiary dentin formation.

This episode is essential listening for practitioners aiming to improve case selection, optimize treatment outcomes, and confidently guide clients through complex dental decisions.

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What You'll Learn in This Episode: 🎯 Expected lifespan of properly placed full-coverage crowns in veterinary patients 🎯 Why vital pulp therapy success drops dramatically after 48 hours 🎯 Key radiographic indicators of non-vital teeth (e.g., widened pulp chambers, periapical lucency) 🎯 Clinical criteria for referring cases for root canal therapy 🎯 Why root canal procedures are not recommended for general practice training 🎯 How to explain "silent pain" and pathology to skeptical pet owners 🎯 The biological consequences of pulp necrosis—even without infection 🎯 Monitoring protocols following root canal therapy and crown placement 🎯 When tertiary dentin eliminates the need for intervention 🎯 Immediate management of fractured deciduous teeth in puppies

Key Veterinary Dentistry Takeaways 🔑 Properly placed crowns should last the lifetime of the patient in most cases 🔑 Vital pulp therapy is only predictable within a very narrow time window (less than 48 hours) 🔑 Radiographs are critical—many non-vital teeth appear clinically normal 🔑 Discolored teeth are highly likely to have non-vital pulps and require treatment 🔑 Client education is more effective when supported with visual aids and radiographic examples 🔑 Root canal therapy requires extensive training and case volume—referral is often the best option 🔑 Fractured deciduous teeth should be extracted promptly to prevent infection and abscessation

Questions This Episode Answers ❓ How long should a veterinary dental crown last? ❓ When is it too late to perform vital pulp therapy? ❓ What radiographic signs indicate a dead tooth? ❓ When should I refer a case for root canal therapy? ❓ How do I explain dental pain to clients when pets seem normal? ❓ What follow-up care is required after a root canal? ❓ Should teeth with tertiary dentin always be extracted? ❓ What's the best approach to fractured baby teeth in puppies?

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If you found this episode helpful, be sure to subscribe and share it with your colleagues. Elevating your dentistry skills elevates your entire practice.

👉 Join the upcoming FREE radiographic interpretation training: https://ivdi.org/rad

🦷 Live & Online Veterinary Dental Courses https://veterinarydentistry.net/

🛠️ Dr. Brett's Trusted Equipment & Instruments https://drbrettspets.com/

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veterinary dental crowns lifespan, veterinary root canal referral guidelines, vital pulp therapy timing dogs, veterinary dentistry radiographic interpretation, periapical lucency dog teeth, fractured deciduous tooth puppy treatment, tertiary dentin veterinary dentistry, non-vital tooth diagnosis dogs, veterinary dental client communication, when to extract dog tooth vs root canal

Episode 220 - How Radiographs Improve Dental Case Outcomes Apr 15, 2026

Show notes

Want to sharpen your radiographic interpretation skills and improve case outcomes? Join Dr. Beckman for a FREE live CE training + Q&A session designed to elevate your dental diagnostics and confidence. 👉 Save your spot now: https://ivdi.org/rad

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Host: Dr. Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, DAAPM

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Welcome Back to The Vet Dental Show! In this episode, Annie Mills, LVT, tackles real-world clinical questions straight from veterinary teams, diving into the nuances of dental scheduling, periodontal decision-making, and managing complications. From fistula repair considerations to interpreting radiographic findings in cats, this discussion brings clarity to situations that often create uncertainty in general practice.

This Q&A-focused episode explores practical challenges veterinarians and technicians face daily in dentistry—from how to appropriately schedule dental procedures without relying on unreliable grading systems, to determining when advanced periodontal disease can be treated in-house versus referred.

Annie emphasizes the critical role of radiographs in diagnosis, explains why bone loss—not pocket depth—drives extraction decisions, and walks through the technique and purpose of closed root planing. The conversation also highlights how to approach complications like post-extraction fistulas and how to maintain strong client communication when outcomes don't go as expected.

Whether you're refining your workflow or expanding your clinical confidence, this episode delivers actionable guidance grounded in real cases.

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What You'll Learn in This Episode 🎯 Why dental "grading" before radiographs leads to inaccurate scheduling 🎯 How to categorize patients for smarter, more predictable dental workflows 🎯 When fistula repair should be handled as a client relations issue 🎯 The clinical factors that determine whether advanced periodontal cases require referral 🎯 How to interpret vestibular bone expansion in feline patients 🎯 The difference between early vs. advanced bone loss on radiographs 🎯 Proper timing and technique for administering dental nerve blocks 🎯 Step-by-step purpose and execution of closed root planing 🎯 Why periodontal pocket depth alone does NOT determine extraction decisions

Key Veterinary Dentistry Takeaways 🔑 Radiographs are non-negotiable—they are the only reliable way to assess disease severity 🔑 Scheduling should be strategic, not based on assumed "grades" 🔑 Bone loss dictates treatment, not soft tissue pocketing 🔑 Closed root planing is a critical tool for managing early periodontal disease 🔑 Client communication matters, especially when complications arise 🔑 Referral is not failure—it's appropriate patient care when cases exceed skill level 🔑 Efficiency comes from team training, especially technician-driven workflow improvements

Questions This Episode Answers ❓ How should I price and manage post-extraction fistulas? ❓ Why is pre-dental grading unreliable in general practice? ❓ How can I schedule dental procedures more effectively? ❓ Should all advanced periodontal cases be referred? ❓ Does bone expansion in cats always require extraction? ❓ When is root planing appropriate, and how is it performed safely? ❓ What truly determines whether a tooth should be extracted?

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Ready to take your dental skills to the next level? 👉 Join the upcoming FREE radiographic interpretation training: https://ivdi.org/rad

🦷 Live & Online Veterinary Dental Courses https://veterinarydentistry.net/

🛠️ Dr. Brett's Trusted Equipment & Instruments https://drbrettspets.com/

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If this episode helped clarify your dental workflow or clinical decisions:

👍 Like the video 💬 Drop your questions in the comments 🔔 Subscribe for weekly veterinary dentistry insights

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veterinary dental scheduling tips, periodontal disease in dogs and cats, veterinary dental radiograph interpretation, root planing veterinary dentistry, when to extract teeth in dogs, feline dental bone expansion treatment, veterinary dental workflow efficiency, managing dental fistulas in dogs, veterinary dentistry CE training, improving dental case outcomes veterinary, brett beckman, ivdi

Episode 219 - Hidden Errors in Everyday Vet Dentistry Practice Apr 08, 2026

Show notes

Before diving in, don't miss your opportunity to advance your dentistry skills with our FREE RACE-approved CE course. Strengthen your clinical confidence and elevate your patient care starting today: 👉 https://ivdi.org/free

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Host: Dr. Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, DAAPM

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Welcome Back to the Vet Dental Show!

This episode takes a practical turn as Dr. Beckman addresses real-world questions submitted during recent trainings. From surgical decision-making to anesthesia protocols and home care recommendations, this session delivers concise, experience-driven answers that general practitioners can immediately apply in practice.

In this Q&A-focused episode, Dr. Beckman tackles common—but often misunderstood—topics in veterinary dentistry. He clarifies best practices for surgical extractions, including flap management and gingival closure, and provides guidance on when referral is appropriate. The discussion also explores effective pain management strategies such as long-acting local anesthetics, as well as proper nerve block techniques in both dogs and cats.

Additionally, the episode highlights practical tools—from improvised mouth gags to suture selection—and offers realistic, evidence-based recommendations for at-home dental care compliance.

Whether you're refining your surgical technique or improving client communication, this episode delivers actionable insights grounded in clinical experience.

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📚 What You'll Learn in This Episode ✅ Why gingival debridement and tension-free closure are essential after extractions ✅ When surgical cases require referral due to insufficient attached gingiva ✅ How to perform and apply periodontal flaps, including periosteal releasing incisions ✅ Practical alternatives to commercial mouth gags using modified endotracheal tubes ✅ Clinical benefits and client communication advantages of long-acting anesthetics like Nocita ✅ Accurate application of infraorbital nerve blocks in cats and small dogs ✅ Appropriate suture needle selection for different species and procedures ✅ Evidence-based home care strategies that improve client compliance ✅ How oral products like TDC and dental chews impact plaque adherence and inflammation

🔑 Key Veterinary Dentistry Takeaways ✅ Closure matters: Proper flap design and tension-free suturing are critical for healing after extractions ✅ Know your limits: Cases with inadequate gingival tissue should be referred if advanced techniques aren't familiar ✅ Pain control is evolving: Long-acting local anesthetics significantly improve post-op comfort and client satisfaction ✅ Technique precision is key: Infraorbital blocks in cats provide broader anesthesia due to anatomical differences ✅ Keep it simple for clients: Compliance improves when home care recommendations are easy and realistic ✅ Adjunctive products help: Dental chews and anti-inflammatory supplements can meaningfully reduce plaque and inflammation

❓ Questions This Episode Answers ✅ Is it ever appropriate to skip gingival closure after an extraction? ✅ What should I do when there's not enough tissue to close a surgical site? ✅ What's the most practical mouth gag setup in general practice? ✅ How effective is Nocita for post-operative pain control? ✅ Do infraorbital nerve blocks anesthetize all maxillary teeth? ✅ What suture needles should I be using in dogs vs. cats? ✅ How should I approach dental home care with low-compliance clients?

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If you found this episode helpful, make sure to: ✅ Enroll in our FREE CE course: https://ivdi.org/free ✅Subscribe for weekly clinical insights ✅ Share this episode with your colleagues ✅ Drop your questions—we may feature them in a future Q&A episode

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Episode 218 - The #1 Dental Mistake Vets Still Make Apr 01, 2026

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Want to sharpen your dental skills and earn RACE-approved CE—completely free? 👉 Head over to https://ivdi.org/free to access high-impact training and join thousands of veterinary professionals improving their dentistry outcomes.

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Host: Dr. Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, DAAPM

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In this episode, we tackle real-world clinical questions submitted by veterinary professionals during recent trainings. From flap design concerns to periodontal regeneration strategies, this Q&A session delivers practical, experience-driven guidance you can immediately apply in general practice.

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This episode focuses on common—but often nuanced—clinical challenges in veterinary dentistry. Dr. Beckman addresses concerns around surgical technique, instrument handling, and treatment decision-making with clear, actionable explanations.

Key topics include safe flap creation near critical anatomy, effective gingival closure techniques, suture selection across species, and the clinical importance of removing retained tooth roots. The discussion also dives into instrument sharpening protocols and modern periodontal therapies, including the shift away from traditional antibiotic products toward regenerative solutions like hyaluronic acid-based gels.

If you're looking to refine your surgical confidence and elevate patient outcomes, this episode delivers essential insights grounded in daily clinical practice.

What You'll Learn in This Episode ✅ How to safely create vertical releasing flaps near the infraorbital canal ✅ Practical technique for closing gingiva near the canine tooth ✅ Suture material selection for dogs vs. cats in oral surgery ✅ Why retained deciduous roots must always be removed—and how to do it efficiently ✅ Step-by-step approach to accessing and extracting fractured roots ✅ How often to sharpen dental instruments—and who should be responsible ✅ Clinical decision-making for teeth affected by resorption ✅ Techniques to stabilize bone graft material within extraction sites ✅ How hyaluronic acid-based products enhance healing and reduce pain ✅ Why traditional periodontal antibiotics are becoming obsolete

Key Veterinary Dentistry Takeaways ✅ Vertical flap creation is safer than many assume when proper tissue tension and anatomical awareness are applied ✅ Retained roots are not benign—they can lead to infection, fistulas, and chronic discomfort ✅ Efficient flap design and bone removal improve visualization and extraction success ✅ Instrument sharpness directly impacts surgical efficiency and outcomes—make it routine ✅ Bone graft success depends on proper layering, clot management, and stabilization ✅ Hyaluronic acid gels support regeneration, reduce epithelial down-growth, and improve healing predictability ✅ Periodontal therapy is shifting toward biologics and regeneration—not antibiotics

Questions This Episode Answers ❓ How close is too close to the infraorbital nerve during flap creation? ❓ What's the best way to suture gingiva near tight anatomical spaces? ❓ Which suture size should I use for different patient sizes? ❓ Do I really need to chase every retained root fragment? ❓ What's the easiest way to remove fractured deciduous roots? ❓ Should I sharpen instruments daily, weekly, or after every procedure? ❓ When is extraction necessary for resorptive lesions? ❓ Why does bone graft material displace—and how do I prevent it? ❓ Are products like doxycycline gels still relevant in periodontal therapy?

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🔚 Ready to Level Up Your Dentistry Skills? If this episode helped clarify your approach to extractions, suturing, or periodontal care, don't stop here.

👉 Get your FREE RACE-approved CE course at https://ivdi.org/free 📩 Subscribe to stay updated with new clinical insights 💬 Drop your questions in the comments—we may feature them in a future episode!

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