Episode 210 - Avoid Mandibular Fractures, Broken Roots, and Nerve Damage in Veterinary Extractions

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

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In this episode of The Vet Dental Show, Dr. Brett Beckman answers advanced, real-world questions from recent online veterinary dentistry trainings. He shares practical guidance on high-risk extractions, instrument selection, mouth gag safety, and periodontal regeneration techniques used in general practice.

Dr. Beckman explains how to safely approach full mandibular extractions in small breed dogs to reduce fracture risk, including proper bone removal and elevation strategies for mandibular canines and first molars. He also discusses common causes of broken roots in maxillary premolars and how patience, visibility, and controlled force can prevent complications.

The episode covers essential extraction tools, including recommended burs for different teeth and situations, along with safety considerations when using mouth gags under anesthesia. Dr. Beckman also addresses the evolution of guided tissue regeneration techniques, explaining why doxycycline barriers are no longer used and how PerioVive is now incorporated for barrier protection and ease of placement.

This episode delivers practical, experience-based advice focused on improving confidence, safety, and outcomes in veterinary dental procedures.

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What You’ll Learn:
✅ How to reduce mandibular fracture risk during extractions
✅ Why mandibular canines and first molars are high-risk teeth
✅ How much bone can be safely removed during difficult extractions
✅ Which burs are best for bone removal in dogs and cats
✅ When to use crosscut tapered burs vs round burs
✅ Why patience matters more than force during elevation
✅ How to prevent broken maxillary premolar roots
✅ Safe mouth gag use to avoid trigeminal nerve damage
✅ Why doxycycline barriers are no longer recommended
✅ How PerioVive is used as a physical barrier in GTR

Key Takeaways:
✅ Most mandibular fractures occur at the canine and first molar
✅ Proper bone removal reduces torque and extraction risk
✅ Elevation technique matters more than aggressive force
✅ Magnification improves visualization and success
✅ Mouth gag safety depends on degree of opening, not duration
✅ Overextension can cause permanent trigeminal nerve damage
✅ Doxycycline does not improve attachment height
✅ PerioVive provides an easier and effective barrier option
✅ Training and cadaver practice build clinical confidence

Questions This Episode Answers:
❓ How can mandibular fractures be prevented during extractions?
❓ Which teeth are most likely to fracture the mandible?
❓ What burs should be used for bone removal in small dogs and cats?
❓ When should round burs be used instead of crosscut burs?
❓ How wide is too wide when using a mouth gag?
❓ Can mouth gags cause permanent nerve damage?
❓ Why is doxycycline no longer used for periodontal barriers?
❓ What role does PerioVive play in guided tissue regeneration?
❓ How can broken maxillary premolar roots be avoided?
❓ Why is cadaver training essential before advanced extractions?

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Get a FREE veterinary dentistry course with 1 hour of RACE-approved CE when you sign up for our newsletter: https://ivdi.org/free

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Questions? Leave a comment below with your thoughts, experiences, or extraction challenges in veterinary dentistry!

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Veterinary Dentistry, IVDI, Brett Beckman, Vet Dental Show, Veterinary Extractions, Mandibular Fracture, Broken Roots, Veterinary Surgery, Dog Dental Care, Cat Dental Care, Veterinary CE, Veterinary Education, Dental Instruments, Periodontal Therapy