Pet Dentistry
Your pet deserves the best
Dental health is a cornerstone of your pet's wellbeing, yet it's often overlooked. We emphasize the critical role that pet dentistry plays in preventing not just tooth decay but also serious health conditions like heart and kidney disease. Regular dental check-ups can save your pet from pain and extend their life expectancy, ensuring they keep their playful spirit.
Healthier Gums and Fresher Breath
Regular dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar, reducing bad breath and keeping your pet’s gums in tip-top shape.
Prevent Painful Infections and Tooth Loss
Proper dental care helps avoid painful infections and tooth extractions, ensuring your furry friend continues to eat comfortably and stay active.
Customized Treatment Plans
Each pet receives a personalized dental care plan based on their specific breed, age, health status, and dental history, ensuring effective and appropriate treatments.
Protect your pets overall well-being by prioritizing dental care at every stage of life
Pet dentistry is essential for your pet’s overall health. Untreated dental disease can lead to pain, tooth loss, and serious health issues affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys. Regular dental check-ups, cleanings, and at-home care help prevent these problems, keeping your furry friend happy, healthy, and full of smiles. Prioritize your pet’s dental health today!
Contact our hospital today
Importance of pet dental care
Proper dental care is essential for your pet’s overall health and happiness. Regular check-ups and cleanings help prevent issues like plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay, which can lead to more serious health problems, including heart, liver, and kidney complications. By maintaining your pet’s oral hygiene, you enhance their quality of life and support a longer, healthier future. Our dedicated veterinary team is here to provide expert pet dentistry to keep your pet’s smile bright and their health in top shape.
Signs Your Pet May Have Dental Disease?
- Bad Breath: Persistent bad breath (halitosis) is often the first noticeable sign of dental disease.
- Red or Bleeding Gums: Inflamed or bleeding gums, especially during or after eating, can indicate gum disease.
- Tartar and Plaque Buildup: Yellow or brown deposits on your pet’s teeth may signal the presence of dental disease.
- Difficulty Eating: Pets with dental issues may struggle to chew, drop food, or avoid eating altogether due to pain.
- Loose or Missing Teeth: Unexplained tooth loss or wiggly teeth can be a sign of advanced periodontal disease.
- Pawing at the Mouth: Pets may paw at their mouth or rub their face against surfaces if they’re experiencing oral discomfort.
- Drooling or Dropping Food: Excessive drooling or dropping food while eating can indicate oral pain or discomfort.
- Facial Swelling: Swelling around the mouth or jaw may suggest an abscess or other dental infection.
- Changes in Behavior: Your pet might seem irritable, avoid toys, or stop chewing on things they normally enjoy.
If you notice any of these signs, schedule a dental check-up with our hospital as soon as possible. Early detection can prevent more serious health issues and keep your pet comfortable and happy.
Pet Dentistry Services We Provide
Pet Dental Exams
A pet dental exam is a comprehensive evaluation of your pet’s oral health. It includes inspecting teeth, gums, and oral tissues for issues like plaque, tartar, broken teeth, or gum disease. The vet may perform dental charting to document findings, assess jaw alignment, and check for pain or sensitivity. The exam also identifies potential links to systemic health issues.
Afterward, the vet will discuss any findings, recommend treatments, provide an estimate for any treatments needed and provide guidance on maintaining your pet’s dental health at home.
Pet Dental Cleanings
A pet dental cleaning is a thorough procedure aimed at maintaining your pet’s oral health and preventing dental disease. The process begins with a pre-procedure examination to ensure your pet is fit for anesthesia. Once under anesthesia, the veterinarian conducts a detailed oral examination, removes plaque and tartar from the teeth and beneath the gumline, and polishes the teeth to reduce future plaque buildup. Fluoride treatments or dental sealants may be applied to strengthen enamel and protect against future issues. If necessary, severely damaged or infected teeth may be extracted.
After the cleaning, the veterinarian conducts a final check and monitors your pet during recovery, providing post-care instructions to ensure a smooth healing process.
Pet Dental Extractions
A pet dental extraction involves the careful removal of damaged, infected, or problematic teeth under general anesthesia to prevent pain and further health issues. The procedure includes a thorough oral examination, precise tooth removal, and cleaning or treatment of the extraction site, which may involve sutures or antibiotics to prevent infection.
Pain management is prioritized during and after the procedure, and pet owners are provided with detailed aftercare instructions to support recovery. This procedure helps improve your pet’s comfort and overall oral health.
Pets often hide dental discomfort, stay ahead of the pain. Book their dental exam today!
Schedule your next examDon’t wait for health issues to arise
Routine check-ups help detect problems early and keep your pet feeling their best. Pet dentistry is the first step to ensuring your companion’s long-term health. Contact us today to schedule their next visit!
Pet Dentistry questions answered
How often should my pet’s teeth be cleaned?
AAHA recommends a professional cleaning and oral evaluation annually. This recommendation may vary depending on the individual pet, frequency and type of at-home care, and any history of periodontal disease.
What are some signs and symptoms of dental disease?
Pet dental disease can be easy to miss, but there are several signs to watch for, including:
- Bad breath (often the first noticeable symptom)
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Yellow or brown buildup (plaque and tartar) on teeth
- Difficulty eating or chewing
- Drooling more than usual
- Loose or missing teeth
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Visible pain or discomfort when touched around the mouth
- Swelling around the face or jaw
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule a dental check-up right away. Left untreated, dental disease can lead to serious health issues, including infections and organ damage. Regular dental care is key to keeping your pet healthy and pain-free!
Is anesthesia safe for my pet?
Most pets handle anesthesia very well, especially when proper precautions are taken. A thorough physical exam and routine lab work before the procedure help us identify any potential risks to ensure your pet’s safety. It’s important to inform us about any medications or supplements—whether prescription or over-the-counter—that your pet is taking.
During the procedure, your pet is closely monitored with advanced equipment similar to what’s used in human hospitals. This allows us to detect any changes in their condition early and respond quickly to ensure their stability and safety under anesthesia. Your pet’s well-being is always our top priority!
How can I care for my pet’s teeth at home?
Caring for your pet’s teeth at home is essential for preventing dental disease and maintaining their overall health. Here are some tips to keep their teeth clean and healthy:
- Brush Their Teeth Regularly: Use a pet-safe toothbrush and toothpaste (never human toothpaste) to brush your pet’s teeth several times a week. Start slowly and make it a positive experience.
- Provide Dental Chews and Toys: Dental treats and chew toys help reduce plaque and tartar buildup while keeping your pet entertained.
- Use Water Additives or Oral Rinses: Some pet-safe water additives and oral rinses can support dental health by reducing bacteria and freshening breath.
- Offer a Healthy Diet: A balanced diet and specially formulated dental diets can promote oral health.
- Schedule Regular Dental Check-Ups: Even with at-home care, routine professional cleanings and exams are important to catch and address dental issues early.
By incorporating these habits into your routine, you can help protect your pet’s teeth and ensure their overall well-being. If you have questions or need product recommendations, we’re happy to help!