Dentistry

Pets need dental care too! Daily home care helps slow the progress of dental disease, but eventually most pets need a thorough professional cleaning. Signs that your pet may have dental problems include: persistent halitosis (bad breath), discolored teeth, loose teeth, swollen or bleeding gums, sensitivity of the mouth, drooling, change in eating habits, loss of appetite, and/or decrease in activity. Professional dental cleanings are performed under anesthesia by our licensed veterinary technician and veterinarian. The mouth and all structures are evaluated. Dental radiographs (x-rays) are obtained at this time. Teeth are cleaned with an ultrasonic scaler, which removes tartar and calculus, from visible surfaces and those just under the gum line. Following this cleaning, the teeth are polished with a pumice paste to remove grooves and help prevent tartar formation. The final step in cleaning is the application of a fluoride treatment.

In addition to routine dental cleaning, we offer dental radiography and oral surgery to extract diseased or fractured teeth.

Proper dental care can extend the life of a pet and helps prevent the development of some serious illnesses. Periodontal disease is the most prevalent illness in both dogs and cats. More than 60% of pets will develop periodontal disease by the age of three. Severe periodontal disease can lead to heart, liver, and kidney disease. Schedule a dental consultation appointment so the staff may go over your pet’s specific dental needs and help guide you to build a home dental care program.