The Vet Dental Show

Brett Beckman

Where we dig deep into everything in general vet practice dentistry and have fun doing it. In the weekly Vet Dental Show be prepared for timely topics, off-topic rants, special interviews, and anything in between. Brett Beckman, board-certified veterinary dentist, and world-class instructor teaches general practice to help them be the best that they can be for their patients. Join him on a journey each and every Wednesday for 10 to 30 minutes of fun discussions and useful information to help unpack the myths, keep you up to date, and improve your knowledge and skills to make your patients and their parents love you even more.

  1. 4d ago

    Episode 239 - Should You Suture Each Dental Quadrant as You Go?

    For the next several weeks, we're sharing exclusive Q&A sessions from The Definitive Veterinary Extraction Protocol, recorded live during the July 2026 course. As a listener of The Vet Dental Show, you have a limited-time opportunity to purchase the complete course for $300 off before its official release. Learn more and enroll here: https://ivdi.org/extract -- Host: Dr. Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, DAAPM -- In this episode, Dr. Brett Beckman answers practical questions about extraction workflow, anesthesia considerations, dental instrument maintenance, bur selection, suture materials, extraction site management, flap healing, and preventing postoperative dehiscence. He explains why the decision to extract and suture one quadrant at a time can have important implications for patient safety—particularly when anesthesia monitoring and dental staffing are limited. He also breaks down why bur design matters when creating a groove alongside a canine tooth, which needles and suture sizes he prefers for oral surgery, and how proper flap technique and postoperative protection can help prevent dehiscence. What You'll Learn in This Episode 🎯 Whether to extract and suture each dental quadrant individually or complete multiple quadrants before closure 🎯 How anesthesia monitoring can influence extraction and suturing workflow 🎯 Why regional nerve blocks can help maintain a lighter anesthetic plane during dental procedures 🎯 How coordinating postoperative dental radiographs can improve procedural efficiency 🎯 When and how to sharpen periosteal elevators, luxators, elevators, and curettes 🎯 Why dental scissors may be better sent out for professional sharpening 🎯 Why a #699 or #701 crosscut bur is preferred over a round bur when creating a lateral groove beside a canine tooth 🎯 How round burs can increase the risk of inadvertently engaging the tooth during bone removal 🎯 Which suture sizes and needle types Dr. Beckman uses in cats, very small dogs, and larger patients 🎯 Why reverse-cutting needles are preferred over taper needles for oral soft tissue 🎯 How much PerioVive may be needed in extraction sites and periodontal pockets 🎯 Why extending a mucoperiosteal flap over adjacent teeth does not inherently create periodontal pockets 🎯 How tension, patient interference, toys, and rough activity can contribute to postoperative dehiscence Key Veterinary Dentistry Takeaways 🔑 Completing and closing one quadrant before moving to another may be the safer approach in many general practices, particularly when there is greater potential for an unexpected anesthetic event. 🔑 When anesthesia is carefully monitored and effective nerve blocks are used, maintaining a lighter anesthetic plane may allow greater flexibility in extraction, radiography, and closure workflow. 🔑 Dental instruments should be sharpened routinely after they are cleaned so elevators, luxators, periosteal elevators, and curettes are ready for the next procedure. 🔑 A crosscut bur such as a #699 or #701 provides better control when removing bone alongside a canine tooth than a round bur, which can more readily engage the tooth. 🔑 For oral surgery, Dr. Beckman uses 5-0 Monocryl with a P3 needle in cats and very small dogs and 4-0 Monocryl with a PS3 or PS2 needle in other patients. 🔑 Reverse-cutting needles are preferred for oral soft tissue because taper needles do not penetrate this tissue as effectively and may traumatize delicate feline gingiva. 🔑 Only a small amount of PerioVive may be necessary. Dr. Beckman describes approximately 0.2–0.3 mL for a large extraction site such as a maxillary fourth premolar and even less for periodontal pockets. 🔑 Properly elevated and repositioned oral flaps can rapidly reattach to the underlying tissues and should not inherently create periodontal pockets around adjacent teeth. 🔑 Excessive tension and postoperative trauma are major contributors to flap dehiscence following veterinary dental extractions. 🔑 E-collars and strict postoperative instructions can be especially important after rostral extractions to prevent patients, toys, other animals, or rough activity from disrupting the surgical site. Questions This Episode Answers ❓ Should you extract and suture one dental quadrant at a time? ❓ Is it safe to leave one extraction quadrant open while working on another? ❓ How should anesthesia risk influence veterinary dental extraction workflow? ❓ How often should veterinary dental instruments be sharpened? ❓ Which dental instruments can be sharpened in the veterinary practice? ❓ Should scissors be sharpened in-house or professionally? ❓ Should you use a round bur to create a groove alongside a canine tooth? ❓ Why are #699 and #701 crosscut burs useful during canine tooth extraction? ❓ What suture size should be used for cats and small dogs after dental extractions? ❓ Should veterinary oral surgery use a taper or reverse-cutting needle? ❓ How much PerioVive should be placed in an extraction site? ❓ Can extending a dental flap over adjacent premolars create periodontal pockets? ❓ What causes extraction flap dehiscence after veterinary oral surgery? ❓ When should an E-collar be used following dental extractions? ❓ How can veterinarians reduce the risk of postoperative extraction site complications? -- 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/ 💻 Save $300 on The Definitive Veterinary Extraction Protocol — limited-time offer: https://ivdi.org/extract -- YouTube Cards Card Title: Master Dental Extractions Call to Action: Improve Your Technique Teaser Text: Avoid Extraction Mistakes -- veterinary dental extraction, veterinary tooth extraction, veterinary extraction technique, canine tooth extraction, veterinary dental surgery, veterinary oral surgery, veterinary dental suturing, veterinary dental suture material, veterinary dental needle selection, reverse cutting needle veterinary, veterinary dental bur selection, 699 crosscut bur, 701 crosscut bur, canine extraction bur technique, veterinary dental instrument sharpening, veterinary luxator sharpening, veterinary elevator sharpening, veterinary extraction site closure, dental flap dehiscence dog, veterinary mucoperiosteal flap, veterinary dental anesthesia, veterinary nerve blocks, veterinary dental complications, veterinary dentistry, canine dental extraction, feline dental extraction, veterinary dentistry continuing education, veterinary dental CE, veterinary dentistry podcast, veterinary dental training, The Vet Dental Show, Dr Brett Beckman

  2. Aug 19

    Episode 238 - How Much Bone Can You Safely Remove During Veterinary Extractions?

    For the next several weeks, we're sharing exclusive Q&A sessions from The Definitive Veterinary Extraction Protocol, recorded live during the July 2026 course.  As a listener of The Vet Dental Show, you have a limited-time opportunity to purchase the complete course for $300 off before its official release. Learn more and enroll here: https://ivdi.org/extract -- Host: Dr. Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, DAAPM -- In this episode, Dr. Brett Beckman answers practical questions about fractured root tip retrieval, bone removal, surgical extraction technique, patient positioning, and extraction site closure. He explains why adequate bone removal can make root retrieval safer and more predictable, and why trying to move a root with excessive force can create unnecessary risk—particularly when extracting mandibular first molars in small dogs with significant periodontal bone loss. What You'll Learn in This Episode 🎯 How to position patients in lateral or dorsal recumbency for veterinary dental procedures 🎯 Why patient size, body condition, surgical access, and head positioning can influence recumbency 🎯 When simple extraction sites should—and shouldn't—be sutured 🎯 Why incisor extraction sites can often be left open to heal 🎯 Which extraction sites are more likely to require closure because of food impaction 🎯 How additional vestibular bone removal can improve access to fractured root tips 🎯 Why adequate bone removal can reduce the need for excessive force during extraction 🎯 How mandibular anatomy changes the approach to root tip retrieval in small dogs Key Veterinary Dentistry Takeaways 🔑 Lateral and dorsal recumbency can both be appropriate for veterinary dental procedures; positioning should provide optimal access while allowing the head to be manipulated as needed. 🔑 Dorsal recumbency may be preferable for heavier patients during longer procedures to avoid placing excessive weight on one side of the chest. 🔑 Simple incisor extraction sites often do not require suturing unless the surrounding gingiva is significantly inflamed, mobile, or otherwise requires closure. 🔑 Extraction sites in areas used for mastication may require closure to help prevent food and debris from becoming impacted in the alveolus. 🔑 Surgical extractions should provide sufficient exposure of the root and surrounding bone to allow controlled extraction and root tip retrieval. 🔑 When a root tip fractures, removing additional vestibular bone can create better visualization and access rather than relying on excessive force. 🔑 Removing vestibular bone does not automatically compromise mandibular integrity; inadequate bone removal and excessive torque can increase extraction difficulty and risk. 🔑 Small dogs with severe periodontal bone loss around the mandibular first molar can have an increased risk of mandibular fracture and may be better candidates for referral. 🔑 Knowing when a case exceeds your comfort level is an important part of safe veterinary dental extraction planning. Questions This Episode Answers ❓ Should veterinary dental patients be positioned in lateral or dorsal recumbency? ❓ When is dorsal recumbency preferable during veterinary dental procedures? ❓ Do simple tooth extraction sites always need to be sutured? ❓ Should incisor extraction sites be closed? ❓ Which veterinary extraction sites are most important to suture? ❓ Does every fractured root tip need to be removed? ❓ How do you retrieve a fractured root tip during a surgical extraction? ❓ How much vestibular bone can safely be removed during an extraction? ❓ Does removing bone increase the risk of mandibular fracture? ❓ Why are mandibular first molar extractions particularly challenging in small dogs? ❓ When should a difficult veterinary dental extraction be referred to a specialist? -- 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/ 💻 Save $300 on The Definitive Veterinary Extraction Protocol — offer ends Sunday: https://ivdi.org/extract -- veterinary dental extraction, fractured root tip dog, veterinary root tip retrieval, veterinary tooth extraction, veterinary surgical extraction, fractured tooth root veterinary, vestibular bone removal, veterinary dental bone removal, mandibular fracture dog, mandibular first molar extraction, small dog dental extraction, veterinary extraction complications, veterinary dental suturing, extraction site closure, veterinary dental patient positioning, lateral recumbency veterinary dentistry, dorsal recumbency veterinary dentistry, veterinary oral surgery, veterinary dentistry, canine dental extraction, veterinary dental specialist, veterinary extraction technique, veterinary dentistry continuing education, veterinary dental CE, veterinary dentistry podcast, veterinary dental training, The Vet Dental Show, Dr Brett Beckman

  3. Aug 12

    Episode 237 – Root Planing vs. Extraction: When Can You Save the Tooth?

    For the next several weeks, we're sharing exclusive Q&A sessions from The Definitive Veterinary Extraction Protocol, recorded live during the July 2026 course. These episodes provide an overview of the topics covered and give you a preview of the practical, step-by-step training included in the full program. As a listener of The Vet Dental Show, you have a limited-time opportunity to purchase the complete course for $300 off before its official release on August 15. This special podcast listener pricing ends Sunday, so don't miss your chance to secure lifetime access to the course at a significant discount. Learn more and enroll here: https://ivdi.org/extract -- Host: Dr. Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, DAAPM -- What You'll Learn in This Episode 🎯 How to decide between open and closed root planing 🎯 Why bleeding on probing can be more important than probing depth alone 🎯 How large a flap should be for open root planing and curettage 🎯 Why periodontal root planing is rarely indicated in cats 🎯 When small periodontal defects may not require a bone graft 🎯 Which canine periodontal defects may be candidates for root planing and regenerative therapy 🎯 How the mucogingival line influences whether a periodontal defect can be treated 🎯 What apical root resorption can indicate about tooth vitality 🎯 Why converging or fused roots do not automatically mean extraction 🎯 When dentigerous and maxillary cysts should be referred to a veterinary dental specialist Key Veterinary Dentistry Takeaways 🔑 The decision between open and closed root planing is driven primarily by whether the periodontal defect involves bone or soft tissue—not simply by probing depth. 🔑 Bleeding on probing, particularly alongside marginal gingivitis, is an important indicator of active periodontal inflammation. 🔑 Open root planing flaps should be extended only as far as necessary to adequately visualize and clean the periodontal defect. 🔑 Periodontal therapy in cats has limited indications because of their thin attached gingiva, although select early canine-tooth lesions may be candidates. 🔑 Small periodontal defects may be managed without a bone graft, while larger defects may require additional regenerative therapy. 🔑 Gingival recession extending beyond the mucogingival line can significantly limit treatment options for canine teeth. 🔑 Root resorption involving the apex can indicate loss of tooth vitality, while resorption elsewhere does not necessarily mean the tooth is non-vital. 🔑 Root convergence or fusion alone is not automatically an indication for extraction. 🔑 Complex dentigerous or maxillary cysts can be difficult to completely remove and may require specialist expertise. Questions This Episode Answers ❓ When should veterinarians perform open versus closed root planing? ❓ Is there a probing depth that determines when open root planing is necessary? ❓ Why does bleeding on periodontal probing matter? ❓ How large should a periodontal flap be for open root planing? ❓ Can root planing and curettage be performed in cats? ❓ When should a bone graft be used for periodontal defects? ❓ Can periodontal therapy save a canine tooth with gingival recession? ❓ Are teeth with resorbing roots always non-vital? ❓ Do converging tooth roots always require extraction? ❓ How do you know when a dentigerous cyst has been completely removed? ❓ When should cystic lesions be referred to a veterinary dental specialist? -- 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/ 💻 Save $300 on The Definitive Veterinary Extraction Protocol — offer ends Sunday: https://ivdi.org/extract -- veterinary root planing, open root planing veterinary dentistry, closed root planing, veterinary periodontal therapy, veterinary periodontal disease, veterinary tooth extraction, veterinary dentistry, canine periodontal disease, feline periodontal disease, periodontal probing dogs, bleeding on probing veterinary, veterinary dental bone graft, canine gingival recession, veterinary tooth resorption, root resorption dog, converging tooth roots, fused tooth roots, dentigerous cyst dog, veterinary dental cyst, veterinary oral surgery, veterinary dental specialist, veterinary dental extraction, veterinary dentistry continuing education, veterinary dental CE, veterinary dentistry podcast, veterinary dental training, The Vet Dental Show, Dr Brett Beckman

  4. Aug 5

    Episode 236 - Bone Loss, Furcations & Extraction Decisions in Veterinary Dentistry

    As a listener of The Vet Dental Show, you have a limited-time opportunity to purchase the NEW Definitive Veterinary Extraction Protocol Online Course for $300 off before its official release on August 15. This special podcast listener pricing ends Sunday, so don't miss your chance to secure lifetime access to the course at its lowest available price. Learn more and enroll here: https://ivdi.org/extract -- Host: Dr. Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, DAAPM -- When should a periodontally compromised tooth be treated with open root planing instead of extraction? How much vertical bone loss is too much? Can furcation involvement ever be managed without removing the tooth? In this episode, Dr. Brett Beckman answers common questions from veterinarians following the release of The Definitive Veterinary Extraction Protocol, providing practical guidance on diagnosing and treating periodontal defects while preserving teeth whenever appropriate. Through real clinical examples, he explains how to evaluate periodontal pockets, identify healthy candidates for open root planing, and recognize when extraction remains the best treatment option. Dr. Beckman also discusses techniques for improving visualization during periodontal surgery, removing granulation tissue effectively, selecting cases for bone grafting versus blood clot healing, and understanding the role of attached gingiva, furcation involvement, and advanced periodontal disease in long-term treatment success. Whether you're looking to improve periodontal therapy or make more confident extraction decisions, this episode offers practical, evidence-based insights for everyday veterinary practice. What You'll Learn in This Episode 🎯 How to determine when open root planing is appropriate for periodontal pockets 🎯 Techniques for visualizing and removing granulation tissue during periodontal surgery 🎯 How air-water syringes improve visibility during flap procedures 🎯 When vertical bone loss still allows successful periodontal treatment 🎯 How to decide between bone grafting, blood clot healing, and extraction 🎯 Why radiographs alone don't always reveal the full extent of periodontal disease 🎯 How furcation involvement influences treatment planning 🎯 Why attached gingiva plays a critical role in preserving teeth 🎯 When advanced periodontal defects should be referred to a veterinary dental specialist 🎯 Practical tips for improving periodontal treatment outcomes in general practice Key Veterinary Dentistry Takeaways 🔑 Open root planing can successfully preserve strategically important teeth when adequate supporting bone remains. 🔑 Surgical flap exploration provides the most accurate assessment of periodontal defects and treatment options. 🔑 Effective removal of granulation tissue is essential for successful periodontal healing. 🔑 Bone grafting can help maintain marginal bone height in appropriate cases, although smaller defects may heal well with a stabilized blood clot. 🔑 Radiographic findings should always be combined with clinical examination before deciding whether to extract a tooth. 🔑 Furcation involvement does not always require immediate extraction, but case selection is critical and often requires specialist evaluation. 🔑 Early diagnosis and proper periodontal therapy can slow disease progression and improve long-term patient outcomes. Questions This Episode Answers ❓ When should a tooth receive open root planing instead of extraction? ❓ How much vertical bone loss is too much for periodontal therapy? ❓ How can veterinarians tell if all granulation tissue has been removed? ❓ When should bone grafts be used during periodontal surgery? ❓ Is a blood clot enough for healing smaller periodontal defects? ❓ How reliable are dental radiographs when evaluating periodontal disease? ❓ Does furcation involvement always mean extraction? ❓ When should periodontal cases be referred to a veterinary dental specialist? ❓ How does attached gingiva affect periodontal treatment success? -- 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/ 💻 Save $300 on The Definitive Veterinary Extraction Protocol before the official release: https://ivdi.org/extract -- veterinary periodontal disease, veterinary root planing, open root planing, veterinary periodontal therapy, canine periodontal disease, periodontal pocket treatment, veterinary dental surgery, veterinary tooth extraction, vertical bone loss, furcation involvement, veterinary bone grafting, granulation tissue removal, attached gingiva, veterinary dental radiographs, periodontal flap surgery, veterinary oral surgery, veterinary dentistry continuing education, veterinary dental CE, veterinary dentistry podcast, veterinary dental training, veterinary dental education, general practice veterinary dentistry, Dr Brett Beckman

  5. Jul 29

    Episode 235 - Base Narrow Canines: Stop Puppy Palatal Trauma

    Ready to build a veterinary dental service that improves patient care while increasing practice profitability? Enroll in our FREE RACE-accredited online veterinary dentistry course and gain practical, step-by-step training designed to help general practitioners develop confidence, improve clinical outcomes, and implement a higher standard of dental care. Get started today: https://ivdi.org/free -- Host: Dr. Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, DAAPM -- Palatal trauma caused by base narrow mandibular deciduous canine teeth is one of the most painful and time-sensitive dental conditions encountered in young puppies. In this episode, Dr. Brett Beckman explains why these cases require immediate attention, how early intervention can improve long-term jaw development, and what every general practitioner should know when managing puppies with traumatic malocclusions. Using clinical examples, Dr. Beckman discusses the causes of palatal impingement, including narrow mandibular conformation and Class II malocclusions, while emphasizing the importance of identifying affected puppies during routine wellness examinations. He also explains why extraction of the mandibular deciduous canine teeth alone is often insufficient, reviews the unique anatomy of deciduous incisor roots, and outlines when referral to a veterinary dentist is the best course of action. This episode provides practical guidance that helps veterinarians relieve pain quickly while improving the likelihood of normal permanent tooth eruption. What You'll Learn in This Episode 🎯 How to recognize palatal trauma caused by mandibular deciduous canine teeth during puppy examinations 🎯 Why base narrow canine teeth and Class II malocclusions commonly lead to palatal impingement 🎯 Why these cases should be treated as urgent rather than monitored 🎯 How traumatic deciduous teeth can interfere with normal mandibular growth 🎯 Why mandibular incisors often require extraction in addition to the deciduous canine teeth 🎯 The unique anatomy of deciduous incisor roots and why extraction requires careful technique 🎯 Which luxators, periotomes, and instruments improve extraction success 🎯 When referral to a veterinary dental specialist is recommended 🎯 How to monitor permanent canine eruption following treatment 🎯 What owners should understand about the potential for future adult malocclusion Key Veterinary Dentistry Takeaways 🔑 Palatal trauma from deciduous mandibular canine teeth is a painful condition that should be treated as soon as possible. 🔑 Early extraction may reduce pain while allowing more normal mandibular growth during development. 🔑 Removing only the mandibular canine teeth may leave the mandibular incisors as the new source of palatal trauma. 🔑 Deciduous incisor roots are exceptionally long relative to their crowns and require meticulous extraction technique. 🔑 Sharp luxators and periotomes significantly improve efficiency and reduce the risk of root fracture. 🔑 Puppies should be re-evaluated as permanent canine teeth erupt because adult malocclusion may still develop. 🔑 Early diagnosis and timely intervention improve both patient comfort and long-term occlusal outcomes. Questions This Episode Answers ❓ What causes mandibular deciduous canine teeth to traumatize the palate? ❓ What is a base narrow canine malocclusion? ❓ When should deciduous canine teeth be extracted? ❓ Why isn't extraction of the canine teeth always enough? ❓ Why are deciduous incisor extractions technically challenging? ❓ Which instruments work best for deciduous tooth extraction? ❓ How can early treatment influence jaw development? ❓ When should these patients be referred to a veterinary dentist? ❓ How should puppies be monitored as permanent canine teeth erupt? -- 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/ -- base narrow canine teeth, puppy malocclusion, palatal trauma in puppies, deciduous canine extraction, veterinary puppy dentistry, mandibular canine impingement, Class II malocclusion dog, veterinary deciduous tooth extraction, deciduous incisor extraction, veterinary luxators, veterinary periotome, veterinary dental instruments, puppy dental pain, veterinary oral surgery, veterinary dentistry continuing education, veterinary dental CE, veterinary dentistry podcast, veterinary dentistry training, veterinary dental wellness exam, Dr Brett Beckman

  6. Jul 22

    Episode 234 - Don't Extract Every Fractured Tooth

    Ready to build a veterinary dental service that improves patient care while increasing practice profitability? Enroll in our FREE RACE-accredited online veterinary dentistry course and gain practical, step-by-step training designed to help general practitioners develop confidence, improve clinical outcomes, and implement a higher standard of dental care. Get started today: https://ivdi.org/free -- Host: Dr. Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, DAAPM -- Not every fractured tooth requires extraction—but knowing when to save a tooth and when intervention is necessary is one of the most important clinical decisions in veterinary dentistry. In this episode, Dr. Brett Beckman answers common questions from veterinary professionals about root fractures, periapical lucencies, vital pulp therapy, root canal treatment, and selecting the right dental burs for efficient surgical extractions. Using real clinical examples and radiographic interpretation, Dr. Beckman explains how to distinguish fractures that can safely remain from those that require extraction or endodontic treatment. He also discusses the biological principles behind vital pulp therapy, when root canal therapy is the preferred alternative to extraction, and practical equipment recommendations that improve efficiency during dental procedures. This episode provides actionable guidance for veterinarians looking to improve diagnostic confidence and treatment planning in everyday practice. What You'll Learn in This Episode 🎯 When a fractured tooth root can safely remain without extraction 🎯 How to identify radiographic signs that indicate extraction is necessary 🎯 The difference between a normal chevron sign and a true periapical lucency 🎯 Why periodontal communication changes treatment recommendations 🎯 When root canal therapy is an appropriate alternative to extraction 🎯 How periapical disease develops and why it should never be ignored 🎯 Clinical indications and timing for successful vital pulp therapy 🎯 The biological principles behind mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) in pulp preservation 🎯 Which diamond football and crosscut burs are most useful in general veterinary practice 🎯 Practical instrumentation recommendations for efficient surgical tooth extraction Key Veterinary Dentistry Takeaways 🔑 Root fractures beneath healthy bone without periodontal involvement often do not require extraction. 🔑 Periapical lucencies indicate pulpal death and generally require either extraction or root canal therapy. 🔑 Radiographic interpretation should always be combined with probing and mobility assessment before making treatment decisions. 🔑 Vital pulp therapy offers excellent success rates when performed on appropriately selected, recently exposed teeth. 🔑 Early intervention dramatically improves the long-term prognosis for preserving strategic teeth. 🔑 Proper bur selection improves surgical efficiency while minimizing unnecessary bone removal. 🔑 Combining accurate diagnostics with appropriate treatment planning leads to better patient outcomes and long-term oral health. Questions This Episode Answers ❓ Does every root fracture require extraction? ❓ How can you determine whether a fractured root can safely remain? ❓ What does a periapical lucency indicate on dental radiographs? ❓ How do you differentiate a chevron sign from true apical pathology? ❓ When should root canal therapy be recommended instead of extraction? ❓ What are the ideal indications for vital pulp therapy? ❓ Why is timing so critical for successful pulp preservation? ❓ Which dental burs should every general veterinary practice keep available? ❓ How should radiographs guide treatment decisions for fractured teeth? -- 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/ -- veterinary tooth fractures, veterinary root fracture treatment, veterinary dental radiography, periapical lucency in dogs, veterinary root canal therapy, veterinary vital pulp therapy, fractured canine tooth treatment, veterinary tooth extraction indications, veterinary dental burs, diamond football bur veterinary dentistry, crosscut bur veterinary dentistry, veterinary endodontics, veterinary oral surgery, veterinary dentistry continuing education, veterinary dental CE, veterinary dental diagnostics, veterinary dental radiographs, veterinary dentistry podcast, veterinary dentistry training, Dr Brett Beckman

  7. Jul 15

    Episode 233 - How to Build a Profitable Veterinary Dental Service

    Ready to build a veterinary dental service that improves patient care while increasing practice profitability? Enroll in our FREE RACE-accredited online veterinary dentistry course and gain practical, step-by-step training designed to help general practitioners develop confidence, improve clinical outcomes, and implement a higher standard of dental care. Get started today: https://ivdi.org/free -- Host: Dr. Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, DAAPM -- Building an exceptional veterinary dental service requires more than purchasing equipment—it requires the right mindset, a committed team, and proven systems that can be repeated every day. In this episode, Dr. Brett Beckman shares a powerful presentation on why embracing change is essential for growth and how investing in veterinary dentistry benefits patients, clients, team members, and the overall success of the practice. Drawing from real-world case studies, Dr. Beckman explains how practices dramatically increased dental revenue after investing in education, dental radiography, instrumentation, and standardized workflows. He also discusses why creating a small, dedicated dental team leads to greater consistency, confidence, and efficiency than attempting to train an entire hospital staff at once. Whether you're a practice owner, associate veterinarian, or veterinary technician, this episode provides practical strategies for building a sustainable, high-performing dental program. What You'll Learn in This Episode 🎯 Why embracing change is essential for improving veterinary dentistry 🎯 How high-quality dentistry improves both patient outcomes and practice growth 🎯 Revenue and return-on-investment data from practices that invested in dentistry 🎯 Why dental equipment and staff education often pay for themselves quickly 🎯 The three foundational components of a successful veterinary dental service 🎯 Why a small, dedicated dental team outperforms broad cross-training 🎯 How standardized clinical workflows improve consistency and efficiency 🎯 The importance of repetition in developing speed, confidence, and clinical excellence 🎯 How technicians can help advocate for investments in veterinary dentistry 🎯 Why passion and commitment are key drivers of long-term success Key Veterinary Dentistry Takeaways 🔑 Great veterinary dentistry starts with mindset, education, and a commitment to continuous improvement 🔑 Dentistry can become one of the most profitable service areas within a general veterinary practice 🔑 Investments in dental radiography, instrumentation, and training can produce exceptional returns on investment 🔑 Dedicated dental teams develop stronger skills and greater consistency than broadly cross-trained teams 🔑 Standardized protocols improve workflow, confidence, and patient care 🔑 Repetition and structured systems accelerate mastery of veterinary dental procedures 🔑 Better dentistry benefits patients, clients, veterinary teams, and the long-term health of the practice Questions This Episode Answers ❓ Why do many veterinary practices underutilize their dental service? ❓ How profitable can veterinary dentistry become? ❓ What kind of return on investment can dental equipment and education provide? ❓ Why should practices invest in dental radiography and advanced instrumentation? ❓ How many team members should initially be dedicated to dentistry? ❓ Why is a focused dental team more effective than training the entire hospital? ❓ How do standardized workflows improve dental efficiency? ❓ What role do technicians play in building a successful dental program? ❓ How can practices develop confidence while improving their standard of care? -- 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/ -- veterinary dentistry, veterinary dental practice management, veterinary dental team, veterinary dentistry profitability, veterinary dental ROI, veterinary dental radiography, veterinary dental education, veterinary dental workflow, veterinary dental protocols, veterinary dental equipment, veterinary technician dentistry, veterinary dental training, veterinary practice growth, veterinary dentistry CE, dental practice systems, veterinary dentistry leadership, veterinary hospital profitability, veterinary dental team training, veterinary dental continuing education, Dr Brett Beckman

  8. Jul 8

    Episode 232 - Should You Ever Leave an Extraction Open?

    Ready to perform veterinary dentistry with greater confidence? Enroll in our FREE RACE-accredited online veterinary dentistry course and gain practical, step-by-step training designed to help general practitioners improve case outcomes and elevate the standard of dental care in their practice. Get started today: https://ivdi.org/free -- Host: Dr. Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, DAAPM -- Questions from practicing veterinarians often reveal the clinical challenges that come up every day in general practice, and this episode is dedicated to answering them. Dr. Brett Beckman provides practical, evidence-based guidance on some of the most common topics submitted during recent online veterinary dentistry trainings, including extraction site closure, local anesthesia, postoperative pain management, suture selection, and home-care recommendations. Throughout the episode, Dr. Beckman explains why extraction sites should almost always be debrided and closed without tension, when advanced flap techniques or referral are appropriate, and how proper surgical planning improves healing. He also shares his preferred approach to mouth gags, discusses long-acting pain management with Nocita® and Zorbium®, reviews infraorbital nerve block techniques in dogs and cats, and offers realistic recommendations for improving owner compliance with dental home care. What You'll Learn in This Episode 🎯 Why extraction sites should almost always be debrided and sutured 🎯 When advanced flap techniques or referral become necessary 🎯 How to achieve predictable, tension-free gingival closure 🎯 A practical mouth gag solution using cut endotracheal tubes 🎯 Dr. Beckman's experience using Nocita® for postoperative dental pain 🎯 Pain management considerations for feline stomatitis patients 🎯 Why infraorbital nerve blocks anesthetize the entire maxilla in cats 🎯 Preferred reverse-cutting suture needles for dogs and cats 🎯 Home-care products that can improve long-term oral health 🎯 How VOHC-approved products help guide evidence-based recommendations Key Veterinary Dentistry Takeaways 🔑 Proper flap design and tension-free closure are essential for predictable extraction healing 🔑 Cases with insufficient attached gingiva may require advanced flap techniques or referral 🔑 Long-acting local anesthesia can improve patient comfort while simplifying postoperative care for owners 🔑 Understanding feline maxillary anatomy improves the effectiveness of infraorbital nerve blocks 🔑 Reverse-cutting needles remain the preferred choice for oral soft tissue closure 🔑 Simple, practical home-care recommendations are more likely to improve owner compliance 🔑 VOHC-approved products provide an evidence-based starting point for dental home care recommendations Questions This Episode Answers ❓ Should every extraction site be debrided and sutured? ❓ When should difficult extraction cases be referred? ❓ What mouth gag works best during veterinary dental procedures? ❓ How effective is Nocita® for postoperative dental pain? ❓ Does the infraorbital nerve block anesthetize all maxillary teeth? ❓ Which suture needles are best for veterinary oral surgery? ❓ Why is the infraorbital block especially effective in cats? ❓ Which home-care products have the strongest clinical evidence? ❓ How can veterinarians improve owner compliance after dental procedures? -- 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/ -- veterinary dentistry, veterinary dentistry Q&A, veterinary tooth extraction, veterinary dental extractions, extraction flap closure, gingival flap techniques, veterinary oral surgery, canine tooth extraction, feline tooth extraction, infraorbital nerve block, feline dental anesthesia, veterinary dental pain management, Nocita veterinary dentistry, Zorbium cats, veterinary suture techniques, reverse cutting needle veterinary, VOHC dental products, veterinary dental home care, veterinary dental CE, Dr Brett Beckman

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5
out of 5
33 Ratings

About

Where we dig deep into everything in general vet practice dentistry and have fun doing it. In the weekly Vet Dental Show be prepared for timely topics, off-topic rants, special interviews, and anything in between. Brett Beckman, board-certified veterinary dentist, and world-class instructor teaches general practice to help them be the best that they can be for their patients. Join him on a journey each and every Wednesday for 10 to 30 minutes of fun discussions and useful information to help unpack the myths, keep you up to date, and improve your knowledge and skills to make your patients and their parents love you even more.

Information

  • Creator
    Brett Beckman
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    The Vet Dental Show

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