Sophie is the loveliest, most gentle Rottweiler around. So when she came in for her health checkup it was no problem for Doctor Andrew to give her a thorough examination, including the inside of her mouth. Her owner was concerned - the teeth on the left hand side of Sophie's mouth were as perfect as when they first erupted 6 years ago. But the right hand side teeth were showing signs of plaque and tartar build up. Sophie was allocated a Grading of 2 (out of 4) for the severity of her dental disease.

A combination of the clinical examination findings plus dental x-rays and periodontal pocket measurements identified the problem: Sophie's right lower fourth premolar was in trouble. The tooth was badly diseased, causing local discomfort and hence a tendency for Sophie to only chew on the left hand side. This explains the build up of plaque and tartar on the right hand side.

After showing perfect pre-anaesthetic blood results, Sophie was given a general anaesthetic. The offending tooth was extracted and the gum sutured. Local nerve blocks and pain relief injections and tablets meant that Sophie had a very comfortable recovery and recuperation.

She is now eating well again - on both sides!