Why Dental Care Matters & How Prevention Helps?

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 we see in pets. It can cause drooling, reluctance to eat, swelling, bad breath, redness of the gums, loose teeth, and tooth discoloration. Dental disease if left untreated can have a detrimental effect on the whole body.

Prevention is key!

We highly recommend preventive care to circumvent the need for treatment. There are various ways to prevent dental problems in your pets.

• Tooth brushing

• Teeth Cleaning Tips

• Veterinary-recommended dental diets. Chat with us at your next visit!

• Water additives to reduce plaque, and more

• Resources available at ACVD.org and VOHC.org

When Veterinary Dental Care is Needed?

Dental issues and dental-related diseases can easily be prevented by visiting us regularly for dental examinations and cleanings. We take a comprehensive approach to dental care, including dental health assessment, treatment, and prevention. Talk to us about dental care at your visit.

Teeth Exams, Cleaning, and Polishing

Dog and cat dental cleanings are very similar to human dental cleanings. We are required to use anesthesia to examine and clean the teeth properly and safely. After the cleaning, our veterinarians perform a thorough oral exam and check for signs of disease like gum loss, root exposure, or pockets around the root.

Also, like human dentistry, we recommend doing full mouth radiographs (x-rays) of your pet. This allows our veterinarians to be able to evaluate the roots of your pet's teeth as well as any disease or abnormalities that are located below the gum line and not visible on examination alone.

Tooth Extractions

We make every effort to save teeth that we feel have a chance to be successfully treated. In many circumstances, however, periodontal disease is so advanced that treatment without extraction is unsuccessful. We only extract teeth that in the doctor's opinion are beyond saving.

Minor Oral Surgery and Anesthesia-Free Cleaning

We perform minor oral surgeries with expert care, ensuring safe root removal and providing pain management for comfort during and after the procedure. While anesthesia-free cleanings may seem convenient, they only address surface buildup and can cause discomfort; we recommend a thorough dental cleaning under controlled conditions to properly treat below the gum line and minimize stress for your pet.