DENTAL CARE

Without proper dental care, your pet will most likely suffer from bad breath, inflamed gums, and missing, loose, or broken teeth- as well as the pain and discomfort that accompanies these symptoms. 

Dental disease can also lead to systemic health problems in dogs and cats. The good news, however, is that dental disease is easily prevented by regular dental examinations, home care, and dental cleanings. 

Signs of poor dental health

• Bad breath

• Visible tartar on the teeth

• Swelling under the eyes

• Loose or missing teeth

• Difficulty eating

• Discharge from the nose

• Drooling or excessive salivation

• Pawing at the teeth or mouth

• Discoloration or staining of the teeth

• Red, irritated, swollen, or bleeding gums

• Weight loss or loss of appetite

• Lethargy and loss of vitality

Our hospital offers a variety of dentistry services. At your pet's yearly examination it may be determined that they require a dental cleaning. Routine veterinary dentistry involves prophylaxis (teeth cleaning), polishing and a full oral examination.

Dental prophylaxis is performed with your pet under general anesthesia. It involves cleaning the surface of each tooth and scaling below the gum line, where food, bacteria, and tartar build up. To ensure the safety of your pet, pre-operative blood work will be performed prior to the anesthesia.

During a dental procedure, your veterinarian evaluates your pet's teeth for fractures, caries (cavities), excessive wear, and other abnormalities. Your veterinarian will also examine around the gums to detect periodontal disease.

Sometimes teeth need to be pulled (extracted). Dental x-rays, if available, aid in selection of teeth to be pulled and to aid in evaluation of periodontal and other oral diseases. If your pet is found to have more advanced dental or periodontal disease, your veterinarian may recommend more specialized procedures.