We will look inside your pet’s mouth at every visit. If we detect early stages of plaque buildup or gingivitis, we will suggest a thorough dental cleaning under general anesthesia, and from that point on, we will recommend annual dental visits.
As with any procedure requiring anesthesia, your pet will undergo pre-anesthesia testing and will be carefully monitored using our SurgiVet® equipment. We will recommend sevoflurane if we feel it is the safer option for your pet. We also administer antibiotics with our dentals to provide pets with even more protection.
Why Oral Hygiene is Important for Pets
Pets want clean, healthy mouths just like we do. Gingivitis and periodontal (gum) disease can cause painful eating, tooth loss, and chronic bad breath. If periodontal disease becomes advanced, the bacteria from your pet’s mouth can travel through the bloodstream and damage your pet’s organs. Professional dental care can help prevent dangerous periodontal disease.
Thorough Dental Checkups
Our dental examinations include ultrasonic scaling, a full dental evaluation, fluoride treatment, and polishing. We also check pocket depth, and we record our findings on a dental form as per AAHA® standards.
Your pet’s dental appointment is also the perfect time to ask about options for home oral care, such as rawhide treats, oral rinses, and species-appropriate toothpastes and brushes.
Minor Procedures
When needed, we can perform extractions or gingivoplasty in conjunction with your pet’s dental cleaning. Fractured, abscessed, and loose teeth, and those affected by destructive dental diseases must be pulled to prevent the spread of infection and to ensure that your pet can eat comfortably. Gingivoplasty is a re-contouring of the gum line to eliminate deep pockets where food can get trapped.
Please call us today to schedule your pet’s dental cleaning or if you have any questions about our dental services.