Dental Care

Oral disease is the most frequently diagnosed infectious disease in pets. By the time that most dogs and cats reach the age of 4 years old, a reported 85% show signs of oral disease. There are four stages of dental disease, found in animals, that can range form redness along the gumline to deep pockets of infection and severe bone loss . Good dental care for your pet will help to prevent gingivitis, periodontal disease, pain, tooth loss and potential damage to internal organs stemming from chronic oral infections.

Prior to any anesthetic procedure, we will draw a blood sample from your pet. This sample will then be sent to an outside laboratory for analysis. This along with a full physical screening, prior to any surgical procedure, is done to ensure that your pet is a good candidate for anesthesia. All dental patients, once under anesthesia, will have a dental exam and full mouth digital dental x-rays. Evaluation of the dental x-rays and of each tooth will be performed to look for any evidence of bone loss, root exposure fractures, periodontal disease and mobility. A professional ultrasonic scaling, to clean and move tartar and plaque, will be performed on the teeth and under the gum line. All cleanings are followed by a high-speed polishing to return the enamel to a smooth surface less conducive to plaque accumulation. A fluoride treatment is then applied to all the teeth. If your pet is in need of oral surgery, pain medication will de used during and sent home after your pets procedure. Our veterinarians perform local dental blocks, as well as injectable pain medication, to ensure your pet's comfort following surgery.

We are also available to discuss and demonstrate home dental care and products that are designed to keep your pet's mouth healthy between dental cleanings. Daily brushing is the best way to protect your pet's dental health, and it is much easier than you think!!