The Importance of Veterinary Dental Care
Routine dental care is crucial to your pet's health. This is because poor oral hygiene can result in cavities and subsequent infections. If left untreated, these infections can have a serious impact on other parts of the body, such as the heart. You can help ensure good oral hygiene by bringing your dog or cat in for routine professional dental visits and by cleaning their teeth regularly at home.
During an annual in-office dental visit, we will perform a complete examination, dental X-rays and teeth cleaning. At the end of the visit, your veterinarian will provide you with tips for at-home dental hygiene and care to keep your pet's teeth clean between visits.
If your dog or cat experiences advanced dental issues requiring surgery, our veterinarians are here to help and can provide the necessary care.
Teeth Cleaning & Examinations
Your pet's annual dental visit allows our veterinarians to detect potential oral health issues. Detecting oral health issues early can help prevent your pet from experiencing pain or discomfort.
A routine dental visit typically includes:
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Pre-Anesthetic Assessment
Our veterinarians will always perform complete pre-anesthetic examinations and diagnostics prior to any dental procedure.
We will perform bloodwork and urinalysis to gain a full understanding of your pet's internal health. Additional diagnostics, such as chest radiographs (X-rays) or an ECG (electrocardiogram) may also be conducted.
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Administering Anesthesia
Once the pre-anesthetic evaluation is complete, we will go ahead and administer the anesthesia. This will allow our veterinary team to do a thorough examination and cleaning, as well as capture any required X-rays safely and efficiently without undue stress on the pet.
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Oral Examination & Cleaning
Once your pet is under anesthesia, your veterinarian will complete a full tooth-by-tooth examination of your dog or cat's mouth. They will then clean and polish each tooth above and below the gumline. We may also perform X-rays to ensure that all is well beneath the surface. We then apply a fluoride treatment to each tooth, as well as a dental sealant to prevent plaque from attaching to the enamel.
If any oral health issues like cavities or damage are discovered, your veterinarian will develop a custom treatment plan, which may include dental surgery, and discuss it with you.
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Follow-up Exam & Home Care
If needed, your veterinarian may recommend a follow-up examination that will be scheduled for approximately two weeks after the initial examination.
During this visit, we will evaluate the progress of any treatment that was recommended, discuss any concerns and provide advice on at-home care for your pet's teeth.
Dental Surgery for Dogs & Cats
Serious dental issues can result from untreated conditions and/or trauma. This can result in the need for dental procedures, including jaw fracture repair surgeries, tooth extractions and treatment for periodontal disease.
Our veterinary team understands how overwhelming it can be when you learn that your cat or dog needs oral surgery. We focus on providing effective solutions while keeping your pet as comfortable as possible.
Your furry friend will be placed under general anesthesia to allow them to rest comfortably and without pain or stress for the duration of the procedure. Once they have awoken, we will continue to administer pain relief medication as needed.
Once they are ready to head home, we will provide you with everything you need to know about aftercare and your veterinarian may provide you with a prescription for pain medications and/or antibiotics. This will help prevent pain and potential infections.
Signs of Dental Health Issues in Pets
If you notice any of the following symptoms in your pet, it's time for a dental checkup.
- Tartar buildup
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Bad breath
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Abnormal chewing
- Drooling
- Dropping food from the mouth
- Discoloured teeth
FAQs About Pet Dental Care
Read the frequently asked questions listed below to learn more about dental care for dogs and cats:
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Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
As your pet eats, plaque and tartar are building up on their teeth. When this isn't cleaned, it can compromise the health of their teeth.
Annual veterinary dental care can help to prevent conditions, such as periodontal disease, tooth decay and even loose or missing teeth.
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How often does my pets need their teeth cleaned?
We typically recommend annual dental cleanings for cats and dogs. Pets more prone to dental problems than others may require more frequent visits.
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What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
Along with cavities, bad breath and periodontal disease, untreated oral health issues may lead to disease in the liver, kidney, heart, and other areas throughout your pet's body.
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What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
The easiest way to protect your pet's dental health between visits is by brushing your pet's teeth regularly and providing dental chew toys to help control plaque buildup. Speak to your veterinarian to learn more about caring for your dog or cat's teeth between veterinary appointments.
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Why does my pet require anesthesia for their dental appointment?
Because many dogs or cats may feel uncomfortable or even scared during dental procedures, we opt to place pets under anesthesia during their visit. Using anesthesia puts less stress on pets and allows us to examine their mouth safely.
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What dental issues may require dental surgery as treatment?
Dental health issues which may require dental surgery include:
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Tooth decay
- Severe gum disease (periodontitis)
- Jaw fractures
- TMJ (temporomandibular joint)
- Luxation (dislocation)
- Feline stomatitis