Do you give a lot of thought to your pet’s teeth? If the answer is no, you are not alone. While we appreciate that we have several different responsibilities when we become pet parents, their teeth are something that many of us inadvertently overlook. Periodontal disease is characterized by inflammation of the gum tissue, infection and eventually tooth loss. Other dental problems that can affect our pets include decay, tooth impaction, bad breath, tooth pain, retained teeth, stomatitis and feline tooth resorption. Professional dental cleanings along with at home dental hygiene practices are necessary for the health of your pet. We are pleased to be able to offer a comprehensive pet dentistry service.
Pet dentistry refers to a series of different services and treatments that all relate to your pet’s oral health. These are carried out with the intention of preserving your animal’s teeth and dental health for as long as possible. Some of the services that we can provide include the following:
This is typically done at your annual wellness exam. A visual oral exam will be performed to assess the health and condition of your pet’s teeth so that we can spot any developing problems early and before they can cause significant damage to her teeth, mouth and overall well being. At this point we can decide if your pet will need a comprehensive dental cleaning.
Once your veterinarian has determined your pet requires a dental cleaning, they will be scheduled for an anesthetic procedure to complete the treatment. Before the procedure, the veterinarian conducts a thorough examination, which may include blood tests to ensure your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia. While under anesthesia the veterinary team will monitor your pet’s vital signs (heart rate, breathing, temperature, blood pressure) closely to ensure their safety.
Once your pet is under anesthesia, the veterinarian team examines the mouth, looking for signs of gum disease, broken teeth, or other dental issues. If necessary your pet will have full mouth radiographs taken to assess what the naked eye cannot see. This can be instrumental in detecting dental or oral health issues.
The veterinary team will use specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth. This may involve both ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments. After scaling, the teeth are polished to create a smooth surface, which helps prevent future buildup. If any teeth are severely affected, the vet may perform extractions to prevent further pain or infection.
After cleaning, the dog is monitored as they wake up from anesthesia. The vet may provide post-operative instructions, including pain management and dietary recommendations.
It’s essential to schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings to maintain your pet’s oral health.
Understandably, many owners have some concerns about the use of general anesthetic in veterinary procedures, including pet dentistry. However, experts agree that although there are some risks associated with the use of general anesthetic, these are far outweighed by the benefits of proper, professional pet dental care. If you would like to learn more about any of the pet dentistry services listed here, or if you would like to book an appointment for your pet, please don’t hesitate to contact our office where our experienced and reassuring veterinary team would be happy to help.
