Services : Complete Pet Dental Care
Good oral health is just as important for pets as it is for humans.
Imagine what your mouth would feel like if you never brushed your teeth or went to the dentist! For many pets, the painful reality is that dental or periodontal disease is a frequently diagnosed health problem
Common signs of dental disease include:
- Yellow or brown buildup (tartar) on the teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Excessive drooling
- Changes in eating or chewing habits
- Pawing at the face
- Loose teeth
- Depression
Even if your animal doesn’t have these symptoms, we recommend that you have your pet’s dental health evaluated at least once a year. Bacteria and food debris accumulate around the teeth and under the gum, if left unchecked, will lead to deterioration of the soft tissue and bone surrounding the teeth. This decay can result in irreversible periodontal disease, tooth loss, and possibly expensive oral surgery.
A physical exam combined with appropriate laboratory work can determine if infection in the mouth has spread. Antibiotics may be prescribed for your pet to start prior to its dental procedure, to reduce the severity of the infection.
A full dental procedure involves admission in the morning for pre-anesthetic bloodwork, general anesthesia, full oral exam, digital x-rays as needed, local freezing prior to any extractions, scaling and polishing to remove tartar and plaque above and below the gum line, and fluoride. Pain control medications are given before and during your pet’s dental work, and if extractions were necessary, a supply is sent home to keep him or her comfortable during the recovery period.
Schedule your pet’s dental exam today! We can show you how to brush your pet’s teeth and recommend foods and treats that will help combat plaque and tartar buildup.
