{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Episode 217 - Mandibular Canine Extraction Tips Every Vet Should Know (Avoid These Mistakes!)","description":"Take the next step in your veterinary dentistry journey \u2014 get a FREE online course with 1 hour of RACE-approved CE when you subscribe to our newsletter: \ud83d\udc49 https:\/\/ivdi.org\/free ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Host: Dr. Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, DAAPM ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Welcome back! In this episode of The Vet Dental Show, Dr. Brett Beckman answers practical, real-world questions from veterinary professionals, focusing on improving extraction techniques, avoiding complications, and making smarter clinical decisions in general practice. This episode centers on one of the most technically challenging areas in veterinary dentistry\u2014mandibular canine extractions in large dogs\u2014along with critical guidance on retained root tips, instrumentation choices, and anesthesia alternatives. Dr. Beckman explains why accessing the apex of mandibular teeth is unsafe due to the mandibular canal and how clinicians must adapt their approach using controlled bone removal, strategic elevation, and patience. He highlights the importance of proper technique at the bone-tooth interface and why rushing extractions leads to complications. The discussion also covers how to evaluate and manage retained root fragments, when monitoring is appropriate, and when intervention is necessary based on radiographic findings. Additionally, Dr. Beckman shares insights on the use of Vet-Tome mechanical periotomes to improve efficiency and reduce trauma, recommendations for dental loupes, safe use of mouth gags, and practical alternatives to bupivacaine for dental blocks. This episode delivers actionable techniques that help veterinarians perform safer, faster, and more predictable dental extractions. What You\u2019ll Learn in This Episode \u2705 Why you cannot safely reach the apex in mandibular canine extractions \u2705 How to work around the mandibular canal and avoid neurovascular damage \u2705 The importance of correct bone removal and tooth interface preparation \u2705 Differences between luxators, elevators, and hybrid instruments \u2705 How sustained pressure improves extraction success \u2705 When retained root tips should be monitored vs. removed \u2705 How Vet-Tome (mechanical periotome) improves efficiency and outcomes \u2705 Best practices for using dental loupes in veterinary dentistry \u2705 Safe mouth gag techniques to prevent trigeminal neuropathy \u2705 Effective alternative to bupivacaine for dental blocks (ropivacaine) Key Veterinary Dentistry Takeaways \u2705 Mandibular anatomy limits how far apically you can safely work \u2705 Patience and sustained pressure are critical for successful extractions \u2705 Incorrect technique at the bone-tooth interface leads to major complications \u2705 Many retained root tips can be safely monitored if asymptomatic \u2705 Vet-Tome use reduces extraction time and physical effort significantly \u2705 Avoid excessive force\u2014controlled technique yields better outcomes \u2705 Improper mouth gag use can cause permanent nerve damage \u2705 Ropivacaine is a reliable and accessible alternative for local anesthesia \u2705 Instrument selection directly impacts efficiency and safety \u2705 Mastering fundamentals improves both speed and clinical confidence Questions This Episode Answers \u2753 Why can\u2019t you go to the apex on mandibular canine teeth? \u2753 How do you safely extract deeply rooted mandibular canines in large dogs? \u2753 What happens if a root tip is left behind after extraction? \u2753 When should retained roots be removed versus monitored? \u2753 How does a Vet-Tome improve dental extractions? \u2753 What\u2019s the difference between luxators and elevators? \u2753 Are mouth gags safe to use in veterinary dentistry? \u2753 How do you prevent trigeminal nerve damage during procedures? \u2753 What loupes are recommended for veterinary dental procedures? \u2753 What can be used instead of bupivacaine for dental blocks? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- \ud83c\udf93 Get a FREE veterinary dentistry course with 1 hour of RACE-approved CE when you sign up:  https:\/\/ivdi.org\/free \ud83d\uded2 Veterinary dental instruments & supplies: https:\/\/drbrettspets.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- \ud83d\udcac Questions or insights? Drop them in the comments! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- \ud83d\udc4d If you found this episode helpful, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE with your team to improve your veterinary dentistry skills. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- mandibular canine extraction dog, veterinary dentistry techniques, retained root tip veterinary, vet tome periotome veterinary, veterinary dental extraction tips, luxator vs elevator veterinary dentistry, veterinary oral surgery dog, dental blocks veterinary ropivacaine, veterinary mouth gag safety, veterinary dental CE course, dog tooth extraction complications, veterinary dentistry training, veterinary dental instruments guide ","author_name":"The Vet Dental Show","author_url":"https:\/\/thevetdentalshow.com\/","html":"