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Dentistry

Annual dental exams and cleanings are recommended to protect your pet from many health problems and help them maintain a healthy and clean mouth.

Overview

Studies show that 50% of all dogs and cats have some form of periodontal disease. That number jumps to 80% in pets that are 3 years of age or older. If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause infection, pain, and tooth loss over time. It can also lead to serious health problems like microscopic changes in the heart, liver, and kidneys. Because of this, we recommend an annual veterinary dental healthcare examination for all pets.

Why do pets need dental care?

Many health problems start in the mouth. Plaque, tartar, periodontal disease, and infected teeth serve as a source of inflammation and infection for the rest of the body.

Dental disease is one of the most common problems that we see in dogs and cats. It can cause pain, drooling, reluctance to eat, swelling, bad breath, redness of the gums, loose teeth and tooth discoloration.

Teeth Exams, Cleaning and Polishing

Dog and cat dental cleanings are very similar to human dental cleanings, except that it is necessary to use general anesthesia to properly and safely clean and exam the teeth. After the teeth are scaled and polished, veterinarians perform a thorough oral exam and check for gum loss, root exposure, loose or broken teeth, pockets around the root, and tumors.

Tooth Extractions and Minor Oral Surgery

Our veterinarians make every effort to save teeth we feel have a chance to be successfully treated. In many circumstances, however, periodontal disease is too advanced and teeth will be extracted. Often times other procedures such as mass removals, gingival hyperplasia resection, tooth and/or jaw resection, foreign object removal are necessary. Antibiotics and pain medication are frequently sent home with the pet after these procedures.