Greyhound pioneers
new dentistry technology

By Lauren Fritsky
Times Staff Writer

Not enough pet owners pay attention to their canines’ canines, according to Dr. David Wolf.
A veterinarian and founder of the National Greyhound Adoption Program, whose corporate headquarters is in Normandy, Wolf said that food often lies in a dog’s mouth and results in the buildup of bacteria.
Dog owners’ failure to address such dental difficulties can eventually harm a dog’s overall health by allowing bacteria into the bloodstream.
"It’s a slow killer," Wolf said.
About three months ago, NGAP, which finds homes for dogs formerly used in racing, discovered an easier way to tackle tartar and pulverize plaque than using the conventional drill method. It became the first veterinarian facility in the country to start using water-laser technology in dentistry.
NGAP now uses the Waterlase MD, which combines laser energy and water in a process called HydroPhotonics to perform traditional dental procedures with less anesthesia.
Manufactured by Biolase, the Waterlase’s fine tip and multiple settings enable dentists to get further into the dog’s gum line and clean out more bacteria. It also reduces mess and leads to a shorter recovery time for the dogs, Wolf said.
Biolase spokesman Keith Bateman confirmed that National Greyhound is the only veterinary facility in the country using the technology.
The machine can be used for procedures on other areas of the body besides the mouths of both animals and humans. At NGAP, which has a fully equipped surgical facility near its kennel on Wingate Street in Torresdale, about 100 dogs have gone under the laser. Before adoption, dogs have their teeth cleaned in addition to getting sterilization, shots and having a microchip installed.
Wolf thinks other veterinarians aren’t biting on the Waterlase because of the cost of the machine, which is about $60,000.
But seeing the improved mood of a dog with a healthier mouth is priceless for Wolf. Exchanging the drill for the laser has resulted in less pain and improved recovery time for dogs at NGAP.
While Wolf’s happy that NGAP is revolutionizing canine dentistry, he’s happier that fewer dogs are being slowed by dental dilemmas. He recalls one formerly sluggish 12-year-old dog who became more vibrant after getting a laser dental procedure.
"We know that what we do changes the way dogs feel," he said. ••
For more information on the National Greyhound Adoption Agency, call 215-331-7918.
Reporter Lauren Fritsky can be reached at 215-354-3038 or lfritsky@phillynews.com