Severe Class 2 Malocclusion with Oronasal Fistula Formation

Patient Information

Name: Pip
Age: 4 years old
Breed: Greyhound
Gender: Female, Spayed

“The retained deciduous teeth were preventing normal eruption.”

Presenting Problem

Pip presented with a severe Class 2 malocclusion (overbite), resulting in significant trauma to the palate from the mandibular canine teeth. This condition led to the formation of an oronasal fistula, causing complications such as nasal discharge and associated nasal disease.

Diagnostics and Treatment

To alleviate trauma, Pip’s treatment plan included crown height reduction and vital pulpotomy of the mandibular canine teeth. The maxillary canine teeth were also extracted, and the large oronasal fistula was surgically repaired to prevent further complications.

Outcome

The surgical intervention was successful, with the oronasal fistula healing well despite its size. The mandibular canine teeth remained healthy following the crown height reduction, and Pip showed no signs of further complications.

Client Comments

“We had an amazing experience with Dr. Bec and Advanced Animal Dentistry. Dr. Bec made the process seamless with her comforting, attentive and knowledgeable expertise.”

“We felt more than comfortable leaving Pip with the team, knowing she was in great hands.”

“Dr. Bec thoroughly answered every question we had and even explained tooth anatomy to help us better understand our surgical options. We would definitely recommend Dr. Bec and the team at Advanced Animal Dentistry for any animal specialist oral care.”

“Extraction of these teeth allowed the adult teeth to move into position.”

Veterinary Comments

“Pip is a beautiful rescued Greyhound who came to us with a severe overbite, leading to extensive damage to the palate and the formation of oronasal fistulas.”

“Her symptoms, including nasal discharge and sneezing, alerted her owners to the severity of the condition.”

“We are thrilled with Pip’s response to treatment and enjoy seeing her at recheck appointments, where she always gives the best cuddles.”

Next steps

For Pet Owners

Are you concerned about your pet’s dental health? Call 1300 866 848 or fill out the contact form. We’ll coordinate with your primary vet to ensure the best outcome.

For Vets & Nurses

We’re here to help. If you’d like to refer a patient, please call us at 1300 866 848 , complete the referral form or email us with a brief case summary, relevant radiographs and lab results.

For advice and treatment guidance, email us with a brief case summary, relevant radiographs and lab results.

 


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Specialist Veterinary Dental Services

A comprehensive range of dental and oral surgery treatments.

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Removing complex teeth safely and with minimal impact.

Preserving teeth by cleaning and sterilising infected pulp chambers

Precise management for intricate anaesthetics, enhancing safety

Preserving teeth that have damaged pulp through trauma

Detailed imaging with Dental X-rays and CT scans for accurate diagnosis

Cleaning pockets of plaque and tartar, promoting oral health

Performing expert, precise surgical procedures for oral issues

Restoring function and alignment with expert diagnosis and repair.

Key Takeaways

Severe Malocclusion Can Cause Palatal Damage

An overbite can lead to significant trauma where lower teeth contact the palate.

Oronasal Fistulas Can Develop from Trauma

Ongoing injury may create openings between the mouth and nasal cavity.

Targeted Treatment Resolves Complex Cases

Procedures such as crown reduction, extractions, and surgical repair address both cause and complications.

Successful Treatment Restores Health and Comfort

With appropriate care, healing can occur without ongoing complications.

Jessica Ramsay

2 months ago

The care and compassion both Bec and Aaron show towards their patients and clients is above and beyond. I’ve had the pleasure of dealing with the whole AAD team including the wonderful admin team Bryl and Hayley. They make the whole experience from booking the appointment to discharge a pleasant experience and the follow up phone calls the day after procedure shows how much they really care about your pet and any concerns you may have. Would highly recommend these guys for any animal dental treatment.

Steph A

Tessa Orr

So grateful to Dr Aaron for taking the absolute BEST care of our 13 year old boy Chopper! We honestly wouldn’t go anywhere else for his teeth. Dr Aaron is EXTREMELY knowledgeable, so kind and caring! I am quite the worrier as my boy is my baby and his little teeth are super worn from years of chewing/playing with tennis balls. Dr Aaron really gave us the time to listen to all of our concerns and go over everything so thoroughly. My partner and I came into the consult anxious and stressed and left feeling completely at ease knowing Chopper was in the absolute best hands! We are forever grateful for the high quality care and compassion Dr Aaron provided…..

Tessa Orr

A month ago

cont… Also a massive thank you to Bryliiana for dealing with us over the phone these past few years, answering my many questions and never making me feel rushed or of an annoyance. There were quite the few worried phone calls. I HIGHLY recommend Advanced Animal Dentistry to anyone and everyone! It really is such a professional and quality practice! Thank you so much Dr Aaron and Bryliiana for the amazing work you guys do! Thank you for taking such great care of our boy!

dazz boyd

A month ago

Dr Aaron and Brylliana give our boy Chopper exceptional care every visit.

They both give us a lot of extra time and relive all our concerns over the phone and in person and never make us feel like we are a bother. They go out of their way to put us at ease with any questions we have and always make us feel like they have the time to reassure us in every way possible.

I would recommend them to anyone considering using them, 11 out of 10.

Thank you both of you for your amazing care!

Ka Lei Lau

A month ago

Dr Aaron cared for our GSD who had fractured her teeth. The team were able to fit us in within a day for surgery and Dr Aaron’s calm bedside manner was (amazingly) able to calm our very anxious, highly strung dog who typically hates a vet surgery environment. Excellent follow up care and communication, it’s clear the team genuinely cares for animals. Surgery was very professionally done and the price was fair and reasonable for specialised expertise. We are very pleased, thank you for such compassionate care for our pup. If only Dr Aaron could be our regular vet!

Amber Owen

A month ago

Dr Bec is amazing! I really feel like my dog is safe with her and I am a very protective and nervous dog mum. My dog also had a really nice recovery and was very comfortable after his tooth removal (due to a nasty abscess). I would definitely recommend Dr Bec and the team to anyone who wants high end care for their pets.

Gregory Cuff

A month ago

Staff were absolutely wonderful, the help and advice we received was fantastic

Zoe Hyde

A month ago

Bec has done surgery on both my beloved cat and dog and she is such a kind, thorough and talented Dentist! The communication is superb, level of care, and pain relief is brilliant. I completely trust my animals in her hands and am very grateful for her and all of the team’s care 🙂

Whitney Hansen

A month ago

Advanced Animal Dentistry took amazing care of my girl, Polly, and made sure she got lots of cuddles. Will definitely be going back.

Matt & Rochelle Lloyd

A month ago

Absolutely amazing the price for surgery is reasonable.
I drive all the way from Glasshouse Mountains just to there..

FAQs

What is a severe Class 2 malocclusion in dogs, and how did it affect Pip?

A Class 2 malocclusion, or overbite, occurs when the upper and lower jaws are misaligned. In Pip’s case, this caused the lower canine teeth to repeatedly contact the palate, leading to significant trauma. Over time, this resulted in the formation of an oronasal fistula and related nasal symptoms.

What is an oronasal fistula and why is it a concern?

An oronasal fistula is an abnormal opening between the mouth and nasal cavity. For Pip, this led to nasal discharge and signs of nasal disease. Without treatment, this condition can continue to cause discomfort and ongoing complications.

How was Pip’s malocclusion and fistula treated?

Pip’s treatment involved crown height reduction and vital pulpotomy of the mandibular canine teeth to reduce trauma. The maxillary canine teeth were extracted, and the oronasal fistula was surgically repaired. This combined approach addressed both the cause and the resulting damage.

Why were multiple procedures needed in this case?

The severity of Pip’s condition meant that both the dental trauma and the fistula needed to be managed. Reducing the height of the lower canine teeth helped prevent further injury, while extracting the upper canines and repairing the fistula addressed existing damage. Each step was necessary to support healing and reduce the risk of recurrence.

What was the outcome after treatment for Pip?

The treatment was successful, with the fistula healing well despite its size. Pip’s mandibular canine teeth remained healthy following the procedure, and no further complications were observed. Her recovery also included the resolution of the symptoms that initially alerted her owners.