Nonhuman Primate Dental Care

Nonhuman primates require, at minimum, annual dental examination, cleaning, and prophylactic care. Sedation is necessary for examination and may be extended into full anesthesia should dental conditions require oral surgery. Because there is a potential zoonotic disease risk during dental procedures, personal protective equipment should include masks, double gloving, face shields, and goggles. Dental disease commonly treated in nonhuman primates includes tartar and calculus, gingivitis, fractures and caries, periodontal disease, abscesses, and osteomyelitis. Ethical considerations of canine tooth reduction will also be discussed.