This ferret presented with a facial swelling over its left muzzle. It was soft to the touch, but painful and the ferret’s appetite had decreased.

On examination of the mouth it was found that the lower left canine tooth had punctured the gum tissue below the upper left lip and created an area of gingivitis (gum inflammation).

The ferret was anesthetized and maintained on isoflurane inhalant anesthesia. On exploration with a dental probe it was found that the area of gum inflammation created by the lower canine tooth had punctured through the gum and caused an abscess and thus the facial swelling the ferret was presented for.

This condition occurs periodically in the pet ferret as a result of this carnivore’s very long and pointed canine teeth. The best remedy is to file down the offending tooth and cover with a bonded sealant. Here Dr. Fisher uses our high speed dental drill to burr down the lower left canine tooth.

Next the rough edge of the filed tooth is smoothed with 4 different polishing discs, from coarse to very fine grade, until the edge is smooth and dry.

Next the tooth is acid etched and then a bonded sealant is applied and fixed in place with a high intensity UV light as seen here.

The finished product. The bonded sealant protects the tooth pulp cavity and thereby prevents infection as well as any pain associated with the procedure. The abscess is treated with antibiotics and this ferret is good to go!