Episode 212 - Hyaluronic Acid in Veterinary Dentistry: Extraction & Pocket Protocols

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

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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 thoughtful, case-based questions from recent online veterinary dentistry trainings, focusing on practical decision-making in general practice.

The discussion begins with extraction technique—specifically whether you must smooth bone after extractions and how much is too much. Dr. Beckman explains why smooth bone is important for flap closure, when additional bone reduction may be necessary, and how to avoid overly aggressive removal of healthy bone.

The conversation then shifts to one of the most impactful topics in modern veterinary dentistry: hyaluronic acid (PerioVive) use in extraction sites and periodontal pockets. Dr. Beckman and colleagues discuss:
- Whether to combine hyaluronic acid with Gelfoam
- When bone grafts add value—and when they don’t
- Why HA plays the “lion’s share” of the biologic role
- How HA works as a microscopic matrix while bone graft acts as a macroscopic scaffold
- Why HA is essential for pain modulation and soft tissue healing

They also clarify common misconceptions about pocket depth and product selection, including why there is no justification for choosing doxycycline products over hyaluronic acid based solely on millimeter measurements. Instead, treatment decisions should be based on surgical approach, defect location, and whether the lesion extends apical to the mucogingival line.

Dr. Beckman further explains:
- Why bleeding helps retain hyaluronic acid in periodontal pockets
- When open flap debridement is appropriate
- Why bone grafts alone are rarely indicated in general practice
- When maintaining alveolar ridge height actually matters
- Why HA should be placed before applying a barrier sealant like OraVet

Finally, the episode explores how hyaluronic acid supports faster healing, stronger bone regeneration, and significant pain relief in extraction sites—making it a practical, everyday tool for general practices.

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What You’ll Learn:
✅ Why smoothing bone after extraction improves flap closure
✅ When additional bone removal is necessary—and when it’s not
✅ Whether hyaluronic acid should be combined with Gelfoam
✅ The difference between microscopic (HA) and macroscopic (bone graft) scaffolding
✅ Why bone grafts alone are rarely sufficient
✅ How HA improves pain management in extraction sites
✅ When to use HA in periodontal pockets
✅ Why pocket depth alone should not determine product choice
✅ When open flap debridement vs. extraction is indicated
✅ Why HA must be placed before barrier sealants

Key Takeaways:
✅ Smooth bone supports proper surgical closure
✅ Hyaluronic acid provides significant biologic and pain-management benefits
✅ Bone grafts may enhance outcomes when combined with HA—but are rarely needed alone
✅ Bleeding helps retain HA within periodontal pockets
✅ Alveolar ridge height preservation is only relevant in select cases
✅ Treatment decisions should be based on defect location and surgical principles—not arbitrary pocket depth cutoffs
✅ HA is a practical, everyday staple for general veterinary practice

Questions This Episode Answers:
❓ Do you need to burn bone down to a perfectly smooth surface after extraction?
❓ Should hyaluronic acid be mixed with Gelfoam?
❓ Is bone graft superior to HA for extraction sites?
❓ Does pocket depth determine whether to use HA or doxycycline products?
❓ When is open flap debridement necessary?
❓ Should bone graft be used routinely after extractions?
❓ Does bleeding reduce or improve HA effectiveness?
❓ When should alveolar ridge preservation be a concern?

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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, soft tissue healing, and regenerative support in extraction and periodontal cases.

Take advantage of this offer here: https://ivdi.org/ha

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

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Veterinary Dentistry, IVDI, Vet Dental Show, Brett Beckman, Hyaluronic Acid, PerioVive, Veterinary Extractions, Periodontal Pockets, Bone Graft, Alveolar Ridge Preservation, OraVet, Veterinary CE, Veterinary Education