Episode 213 - Extraction Mistakes You Must Avoid in Vet Dentistry

Transform how you manage extraction sites and periodontal pockets — get a FREE 30-minute consultation with a specialist + a FREE sample of PerioVive for your practice: 👉 https://ivdi.org/ha ------------------------------------------------------- Host: Dr. Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, DAAPM ------------------------------------------------------- In this episode of The Vet Dental Show, Dr. Brett Beckman answers real-world questions from recent online veterinary dentistry trainings—covering extraction decision-making, radiographic interpretation, and modern periodontal therapy in general practice. The discussion begins with a common and controversial question: Is it ever okay to leave a root tip? Dr. Beckman explains when root tips must be removed, when monitoring is acceptable, and why proper training in surgical extractions is essential to avoid long-term complications and liability issues. The episode also clarifies the radiographic "Chevron sign" — a normal lucency seen around certain tooth apices in dogs — and how to distinguish normal anatomy from true pathology. Dr. Beckman then addresses key workflow questions: - Should radiographs be taken before or after cleaning? - Why you should not scale teeth that are going to be extracted - How proper sequencing improves efficiency and anesthesia safety He also tackles one of the most misunderstood clinical decisions in general practice: What to do with a discolored tooth that looks normal on radiographs. Spoiler: discoloration almost always means a non-vital tooth — and that means treatment. The conversation continues with: - How to approach discovering a previously retained root tip from another practice - When (if ever) products like Clindoral or doxycycline are indicated - Why hyaluronic acid (PerioVive) has replaced older doxycycline-based products - How hyaluronic acid reduces postoperative pain in extraction sites - Surgical principles for extracting teeth close to neighboring roots without causing damage - Why cleaning prior to extraction does not reduce infection risk Throughout the episode, Dr. Beckman emphasizes practical, repeatable systems that make extractions safer, more predictable, and more efficient in everyday veterinary practice. What You'll Learn: ✅ When retained root tips must be removed vs. monitored ✅ How to recognize a normal "Chevron sign" on radiographs ✅ Why radiographs should be taken before cleaning ✅ Why scaling teeth scheduled for extraction wastes anesthesia time ✅ Why discolored teeth are almost always non-vital ✅ When to recommend root canal vs. extraction ✅ How to handle discovering a previously retained root tip ✅ Why hyaluronic acid has replaced doxycycline products ✅ How HA improves pain control in extraction sites ✅ How to avoid trauma when extracting teeth near adjacent roots Key Takeaways: ✅ Do not intentionally leave root tips during extractions ✅ Normal apical lucencies (Chevron signs) are not pathology ✅ Radiographs first = better estimates, safer anesthesia, smarter workflow ✅ Discolored teeth require treatment even if radiographs appear normal ✅ Hyaluronic acid improves attachment gain and postoperative comfort ✅ Proper surgical technique eliminates concerns about cleaning before extraction ✅ Education and wet lab training are critical for extraction competency Questions This Episode Answers: ❓ Is it ever acceptable to leave a root tip behind? ❓ What is a Chevron sign on dental radiographs? ❓ Should I take radiographs before or after scaling? ❓ Do discolored teeth always need treatment? ❓ How should I handle finding a retained root tip from another clinic? ❓ Are doxycycline products still indicated? ❓ Does cleaning before extraction reduce infection risk? ❓ How do I safely extract teeth that are very close together? ------------------------------------------------------- PerioVive is offering: ✔ A FREE 30-minute consultation with a board-certified veterinary dentist or VTS in dentistry ✔ A FREE sample of the product for use in your practice Hyaluronic acid has become a staple in modern veterinary dentistry for pain management, attachment gain, and regenerative support in both extraction and periodontal cases. Take advantage of this offer here: https://ivdi.org/ha ------------------------------------------------------- Questions? Leave a comment below with your thoughts, clinical experiences, or case challenges in veterinary dentistry. ------------------------------------------------------- Veterinary Dentistry, IVDI, Vet Dental Show, Brett Beckman, Root Tips, Discolored Teeth, Dental Radiographs, Chevron Sign, Veterinary Extractions, Hyaluronic Acid, PerioVive, Periodontal Therapy, Veterinary CE, Veterinary Education