Pet Dentistry
Pet dentistry is just as important as human dentistry, as oral health problems may cause serious complications elsewhere in the body. We perform dental X-rays to diagnose tooth and gum problems, tooth extractions to remove damaged or dead teeth, and thorough dental cleanings to polish your pet’s teeth and remove any calculus and tartar build-up while we monitor their vital signs closely.
Dental care is recommended for pets that have:
Periodontal Disease – Many pets suffer this disease from lapsed oral care and increased plaque build up by the age of 4. This can cause very bad breath in the pet, along with swelling, inflammation, bleeding gums, exposed tooth roots from gum recession, mouth ulcers, bone loss and missing teeth.
Broken Teeth – It is important to examine damaged teeth to see if any root tips are damaged.
Missing Teeth – Missing teeth may not have erupted and may be below the gums. An x-ray can help your dentist know how to proceed.
Discolored Teeth – Discoloration shows the nerve has died. A dental radiograph will show the pulp chamber to look for signs of root tip infection.
Oral Tumors – Tumors can be discovered and checked for bone involvement.
Suborbital Swellings – Swelling below the eye could point to cystic teeth or infection and an x-ray will determine if this is the case.
What does Dental care involve?
Pet dental care begins with regular dental exams. Our veterinarians can inspect the mouth carefully for any signs of disease or other dental problems. If a dental cleaning is recommended, this procedure removes tartar above and beneath the gum line, polishing of all teeth and digital radiographs of the whole mouth. This procedure is done with the pet under general anaesthetic while on IV fluids. Your veterinarian will use dental radiographs to help diagnose and treat these problems that can lead to serious health issues for your pet.
For example, a severely infected or damaged tooth may need extracting to restore chewing comfort and eliminate any disease threat. If your pet does need oral surgery or tooth extractions, a radiograph will be used before and after the procedure to make sure everything is completely taken care of. If bits of root are left or a damaged tooth is not extracted, the oral procedure could lead to problematic issues for your pet.
Visit your veterinarian if you believe your pet has any oral problems. The sooner you can act on your suspicions, the sooner your pet will be able to get back to feeling normal. We may also recommend surgery to remove oral tumors, along with any other treatments your pet may require.
We also help pet owners learn how to maintain their pets’ oral hygiene at home, with our selection of dog- and cat-friendly toothpastes, toothbrushes, oral rinses and dental diets. We all know it is a difficult task to calm your pet down and allowing us to clean out their mouth. Regularly brushing your pet’s teeth, however, will greatly reduce the plaque and a need for frequent visits to the pet dentist. It is important to note that while brushing your pet’s teeth on a frequent basis is excellent for their oral health, it still does not clean the teeth below the gum line. Therefore, regular home tooth maintenance should be combined with professional vet dental care to ensure complete oral health for your pets.
Call your vet to schedule an appointment for your pet you notice:
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Foul-smelling breath
- Difficulty eating
“Good breath” does not actually mean all the plaque is out of your pet’s mouth or that no disease is present. Even if your pet seems fine, you should still have his or her oral health checked regularly.
