Pet Dentistry

Cleaning, extraction, or repair of your pet’s teeth, as well as many other areas of oral health care, are all part of veterinary dentistry. The procedure begins with our veterinarians performing an oral examination of your pet’s mouth. To assess the health of the jaw and the tooth roots below the gumline, radiographs (x-rays) may be required. A complete dental cleaning and assessment are conducted under anesthesia since most dental disease occurs below the gum line, where it is not visible. Scaling (to remove dental plaque and tartar) and polishing are two steps in the dental cleaning process, which are comparable to the procedures performed on your own teeth during regular dental cleanings.

 

Oral Health

Your veterinarian should inspect your pet’s teeth at least once a year for early signs of a problem and to keep your pet’s mouth healthy.

If you notice any of the following issues, have your pet’s teeth evaluated right away:

• Bad breath
• Broken or loose teeth
• Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
• Teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar
• Abnormal chewing, drooling or dropping food from the mouth
• Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
• Pain in or around the mouth
• Bleeding from the mouth
• Swelling in the areas surrounding the mouth

 

Causes of Pet’s Dental Problems

Despite the fact that cavities are less common in pets than in people, they can develop many of the same dental problems:

• Broken teeth and roots
• Periodontal disease
• Abscesses or infected teeth
• Cysts or tumors in the mouth
• Malocclusion, or misalignment of the teeth and bite
• Broken (fractured) jaw
• Palate defects (such as cleft palate)

Periodontal disease is the most prevalent dental illness in dogs and cats; by the time your pet is three years old, he or she will almost certainly have some early signs of periodontal disease, which will progress as your pet gets older if adequate preventive measures are not done. Because advanced periodontal disease can cause severe issues and pain for your pet, early detection and treatment are crucial. Periodontal disease isn’t only an oral problem for your pet. Kidney, liver, and heart muscle abnormalities are among the other health issues linked to periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is treated with a thorough dental cleaning and, depending on the severity of the disease, x-rays may be required. Our veterinarians will offer recommendations and give you options based on your pet’s overall health and the health of his or her teeth.

Reasons why Dentistry Requires Anesthesia

Dental operations can be performed with less stress and suffering for your pet thanks to anesthesia. Furthermore, because your pet is not moving about and risking damage from the dental equipment, sedation allows for a better cleaning. If radiographs (x-rays) are required, your pet must be completely calm to obtain clear images, which is rare without sedation or anesthesia.

Although there will always be hazards associated with anesthesia, it is now safer than ever and continues to develop to the point where the risks are very minimal and the benefits greatly outweigh the risks. Most pets are able to return home the same day, but they may appear drowsy for the rest of the day.