Our '05-'06 Intern Class is completing their year this Friday. Thank you for all of your hard work! Drs. Heather Noll, Jennifer Tutko, Ricky Irizarry, Tania Hunt, Emi Hayashi, Dominique Paquette and Betsy Benson.
Favorite patients
- Album of my favorite patients.
Favorite Places to Grab a Cup of Coffee
Favorite Restaurants
June 27, 2006
June 25, 2006
May 14, 2006
Traumatic malocclusions in dogs
Maisy, a 6-month-old, spayed female, Mastiff dog was presented for treatment of a traumatic malocclusion where her right lower canine tooth was hitting the gums in front of her upper canine tooth. Traumatic malocclusions are by definition painful and should be treated to provide a comfortable bite for the dog.
In less severe cases like this, a simple osseous recontouring surgery can correct the problem. Dr. Tsugawa performed a surgical procedure where the gums were opened at the point of contact and the underlying bone was contoured with a bur to provide the necessary clearance for the tooth.
May 03, 2006
April 30, 2006
Catalina Day Trip
Pictures from a recent trip to Catalina Island...or should I say, "Santa Catalina." The tour guide on our Scenic Tour made it a point to mention that the "Santa" is often forgotten or dropped. He did make a good point, you don't really say Monica or Barbara when referring to Santa Monica or Santa Barbara.
Suggestions if you have never been. When visiting be prepared to just "chill." I wouldn't expect to be entertained with loads of activities in Avalon. Take a tour or tours to occupy your time! I highly recommend the Casino Walking Tour: Click here for Discovery Tours
Other neat-o facts:
- 800 car limit on the island (20 year wait list)
- no door-to-door mail delivery (although KFC "Colonel Sanders" does)
- the winning architectural design of the "casino" on the island is based on the catilever principle--so smart!
- something completely unrelated...the stamen is the male organ of a flower
Tooth Re-implantation in a Dog
Schatzie, a 6-month-old, female, Rottweiler dog was presented this past Friday for re-implantation of a tooth that was completely avulsed from its tooth socket as a result of chewing on a wrought iron fence. Schatzie is a potential show dog and the client did not want to sacrifice the tooth (extract). Presentation was within hours of the avulsion injury. Under anesthesia, Dr. Tsugawa obtained radiographs of the tooth socket to confirm that fragmentation of the root did not occur during the injury. The exposed roots were disinfected with a doxycycline lavage; followed by application of autogenous growth-factor rich platelet-rich plasma to enhance healing. The re-implanted tooth was stabilized to the adjacent teeth using a wire and composite splint. The splint will remain in place for 3 weeks; after which, continued radiographic monitoring of the re-implanted tooth will be necessary. Monitoring is necessary because the vitality of this tooth is questionable--i.e., the blood supply to the tooth was completely severed. If the tooth is determined to be non-vital, root canal treatment will be necessary.
April 22, 2006
Introducing the New Iams Tartar Treats
The new Iams Tartar Treats are available in 3 different sizes (small, medium and large) and are an excellent addition to your dog's (older than 6 months) existing oral hygiene program. Dogs love these nutritional and beneficial treats!
Keep your chin up!
A prominant chin is something many in Hollywood would dream of having, and some might even consider a chin implant to get that much desired look. Mr. Wiggly the cat, however, wanted none of that, and his chin swelling was secondary to an abscessed fractured tooth. Fractures of teeth that are deep enough to extend into the inner portion of a tooth (i.e., pulp) are a direct pathway for bacteria and subsequent infection. In this case, the chronic infection resulted in destruction of the bone surrounding the tooth root and chin. In severe cases such as Mr. Wiggly, extraction of the affected tooth is the only reasonable therapy and will achieve excellent results; whereas less severe cases are best treated by root canal therapy. 
April 18, 2006
Buster's New Grill!
One of my favorite patients was in today to get his gold crown cemented in place. It looks great...he's got the bling-bling! Metal crowns are both protective, as in this case, after Buster received a root canal treatment at this tooth, and attractive, he is sure to be envy of the other dogs at the dog park.
