Dog and Cat Dental Health

A dog or cat dental cleaning at our hospital is much more than just removing tartar from the teeth. Our goal is to restore your pet's mouth to its normal, fresh, healthy state. We perform a predental exam to see if home care or a dental cleaning is the next step. At home your pet's teeth can be brushed daily or we have medicated oral rinses, gels and wipes to prevent periodontal disease and treat mild disease. We also prescribe oravet chews to prevent bacteria from sticking to the teeth and creating tartar. Studies show periodontal disease results in significant injury to a dog or cat's liver and kidneys.
If a dental prophy is deemed appropriate we will perform:

  • A general exam
  • An oral exam
  • Pre-operative blood testing, based on age
  • Use of an IV catheter and fluids
  • Teeth cleaning and polishing
  • Digital dental X-ray
  • Fluoride treatment
  • Extractions if needed
  • laser therapy to reduce any inflammation and pain, and, if indicated, post operative antibiotics
  • Home care instruction on oral hygiene, featuring a post-procedure meeting with the technician to review teeth brushing or other custom-designed recommendations.

Before

After

Digital Dental X-Ray

Radiography is critical for accurate evaluation of periodontal disease, as 60% of the disease is hidden below the gum line. Our mobile digital X-ray machine allows us to diagnose tooth root abscesses, resorptive lesions and other oral pathology, as well as evaluate the extent of bone loss and tooth fractures. None of this could be accomplished by visualization alone. Dental radiographs are an important tool in helping your pet achieve and maintain good oral health.

Tooth extraction is another very common procedure. Our goal is for your pet to retain as many teeth as possible. However, sometimes an extraction is the only option to relieve pain or ensure that periodontal disease does not advance. If not extracted, a diseased tooth can compromise the surrounding tissue and neighboring teeth. If caught early, there are more treatment options available for periodontal disease.

Catching dental problems in the early stages can greatly help your pet in the long run. Contact us right away if your pet experiences any of the following:

  • Chronic bad breath
  • Your pet shies away when you try to touch their mouth area
  • Excessive drooling
  • Dropping food when eating
  • Bleeding in your pet’s mouth
  • Loss of appetite or weight loss
  • Yellowish-brown crust of tartar around the gum line
  • Missing, loose or broken teeth
dentistry dentistry