Vet360 Vet360 Volume 4 Issue 5 | Page 36

DENTISTRY Figure 6H. An acrylic splint to stabilize separation during healing. Figure 6I. The healed separation after splint removal four weeks after surgery. Figure 7B. The sutured defect. • Midline maxillary fractures without displacement often only need to be sutured (Figures 7A-7C). Figure 7C. The healed fracture. • Maxillary fractures with displacement often need much more then suturing the tissues overlying the hard palate (Figures 8A-8D). Time to stop jawing and start doing! Jaw fractures don’t have to be overwhelming when you concentrate on creating a stable means of fixation to maintain alignment and quick return to function. Feel free to contact your local veterinary dentist (avdc.org) for help. Figure 7A. A maxillary defect secondary to fracture. vet360 Issue 04 | AUGUST 2017 36 Issue 05 | OCTOBER 2017 | 36