Dental Care for Cats & Dogs
Dentistry is an important part of your pet's care because dental problems can result in significant pain and discomfort. Additionally, poor dental health can allow infection to spread from the mouth to other parts of the body, such as the kidneys and heart. We also recognize that pets with poor dental health are often somewhat depressed from the toxins absorbed from their mouth.
There are two main ways to keep your furry friend's teeth clean: at-home care and regular dental appointments with a veterinarian. During a routine exam, your pet's teeth will be checked. If there are any issues detected, we will book your pet in for a dental examination. At this appointment, we will perform a comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment while your pet is under general anesthesia. At-home care helps ensure continued oral health between visits to the veterinarian.
The most common dental procedure is scaling and polishing. For this, we have both ultrasonic and high-speed cleaning units, as well as polishers. We also provide other dental care, such as gingival corrections.
Our equipment is very similar to that found in a human dental office. We have digital X-rays to help identify oral health issues, even below the gum line. Our team truly appreciates the importance of dental care for your pets and is here to help.
Dental Surgery for Pets
Our veterinarians perform dental surgery for cats and dogs when required, including tooth extractions, and treatment for periodontal disease.
We will do all we can to make this process as stress-free as possible, for you and for your dog or cat. Your pet will be provided with anesthesia before their dental surgery to ensure they are comfortable and do not experience any pain. We'll be sure to break down each step of the process to you in detail before the procedure, including preparation and post-operative care requirements.
Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment & Treatment
Having your dog or cat's teeth checked is an important aspect of caring for their overall health. Detecting oral health issues early can help to prevent your pet from experiencing pain or discomfort due to issues such as tooth decay, broken teeth or periodontal disease.
A comprehensive oral health assessment typically involves the following:
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Pre-Anesthetic Assessment
A thorough pre-anesthetic assessment of your pet will need to be completed before a dental exam can take place.
We will take blood and urine to analyze. This will ensure that your companion is in good health and that it's safe for them to undergo anesthesia. Additional diagnostics, such as chest X-rays may also be conducted.
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Administering Anesthesia
Anesthesia will be given to your pet during their dental procedure. This gives us the opportunity to thoroughly examine them and clean their teeth as well as take X-rays without stressing out your furry friend.
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Oral Examination & Cleaning
Once your dog or cat is under anesthesia, we can begin a complete, tooth-by-tooth, oral examination and charting. We will then clean and polish the teeth and below the gum line, and take X-rays of your pet's mouth. Finally, fluoride treatment is applied to each tooth, as well as dental sealant to prevent plaque from attaching to the enamel.
If any oral health concerns are discovered, the 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
Your veterinarian may recommend that a follow-up examination be scheduled two weeks after the initial procedure.
During this follow-up visit, we will discuss any concerns and provide advice on at-home care for your pet's teeth.
FAQs About Your Dog or Cats Dental Care
To learn more about pet dental care read through our answers to these frequently asked questions from our clients.
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What are the signs of dental health issues in dogs and cats?
If you notice any of the following symptoms in your dog or cat, it's time to bring them to the veterinarian 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
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Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
Just like humans, our dogs and cats can be susceptible to periodontal disease and tooth decay without proper preventive care. When they eat, debris and plaque can stick to the teeth and build up into tartar if not properly cleaned away.
Routine 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 recommend that most dogs and cats see a vet for a dental checkup once a year. Those who are prone to dental problems may require more frequent appointments.
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What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my dog or cat?
Just as in humans, your dog or cat's mouth is closely connected to many of their internal systems, both directly and indirectly. This means that on top of causing cavities, bad breath, and periodontal disease, oral health issues can lead to diseases or problems in other areas, like the liver, kidney, heart, and more.
If your dog or cat develops any of these issues, their quality of life will be greatly reduced and they are likely going to require ongoing medical care. In some cases, your companion's lifespan may also be reduced.
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What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
Making a habit of brushing your dog or cat's teeth on a regular basis and providing dental chews can help control the buildup of plaque. 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?
Cats and dogs don't always understand that what we are doing is in their best interest and can often react by struggling or biting. This is especially true for dental procedures. Anesthesia puts less stress on dogs and cats during their dental appointment and allows us to examine their mouth safely.
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What dental issues may require dental surgery as treatment?
Dental health issues that may require dental surgery include cracked or broken teeth, tooth decay, severe gum disease (periodontitis, jaw fractures, TMJ (temporomandibular joint), luxation, or dysplasia feline stomatitis.