In the final episode of the WSAVA Podcast season produced with the WSAVA Dental Committee, interviewer Jon Tam speaks with two experts about advanced treatment strategies for managing complex dental disease in companion animals.

First, Kevin Ng discusses periodontal and endodontic disease, focusing on why these conditions are so common and often underdiagnosed. He explores how dental disease progresses, the factors that influence whether teeth can be saved, and the role of thorough assessment and imaging in guiding treatment decisions. Kevin also reflects on how clinicians balance tooth preservation with extraction, taking into account patient health, owner expectations, and long-term outcomes.

In the second conversation, Cedric Tutt examines prosthodontics and dental implants in veterinary patients. He outlines where restorative procedures such as crowns may be appropriate, and discusses the ethical and practical considerations surrounding dental implants. Cedric emphasises the importance of careful case selection, advanced diagnostics, and aligning treatment choices with animal welfare.

Together, these conversations close the series by exploring how advanced dental procedures fit into modern veterinary practice, highlighting the need to balance technical possibilities with responsible, patient-centred care.

Resources & Links

• WSAVA Global Dental Committee
• WSAVA Global Dental Guidelines
• WSAVA Educational Resources
• Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)

Contributors

• Kevin Ng, BSc BVMS MANZCVS DAVDC DEVDC – LinkedIn
• Cedric LC Tutt, Diplomate EVDC – LinkedIn | ResearchGate
• Jonathan Tam, BVSc(Massey), MANZCVS (Small Animal Dentistry & Oral Surgery) - Instagram | Instagram

Click here for the full transcript

This podcast was edited and produced by Contento Media Ltd.