Why Your Pet’s Dental Health Matters

Dental care is a crucial part of your pet’s overall wellness. By age three, most dogs and cats show some evidence of periodontal disease. If left untreated, bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and cause serious health problems affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys. There’s also clear evidence that good dental health can help your pet live a longer, more comfortable life.

Periodic dental exams and professional cleanings help maintain proper oral hygiene, prevent future problems, and can spare your pet from chronic pain and tooth loss.

Our Professional Dental Cleaning Process

To ensure a thorough and safe cleaning, we perform dental procedures under general anesthesia. An important part of this process is taking full-mouth dental X-rays. Just like in people, up to 60% of dental disease in pets is located below the gumline, invisible to the naked eye. X-rays are essential for identifying problems like root abscesses, bone loss, and damaged teeth that need to be addressed.

The cleaning itself includes using an ultrasonic scaler to remove tartar and plaque, followed by polishing the teeth to create a smooth surface that is more resistant to future buildup. We also perform extractions if a tooth is determined to be non-viable and causing pain.

We also carry toothbrushes, toothpaste, and dental chews to help you develop a good at-home dental hygiene routine for your pet. Learn more about the importance of professional and at-home dental care.

Our Commitment to Anesthesia Safety

We understand that pet owners can be concerned about anesthesia. Today’s modern anesthetic monitors and new drugs have made anesthesia much safer than in the past. We do a thorough physical exam and pre-anesthetic blood testing on your pet before any procedure to ensure they are healthy enough to undergo anesthesia.

We also adjust the amount and type of anesthetic used depending on the specific health needs of your pet. All our anesthesia patients receive IV fluids during their procedure to maintain hydration and stable blood pressure. If any serious problems are detected, the procedure will be postponed for your pet’s safety. If you have any concerns, or if your pet has had problems in the past while under anesthesia, please inform us so we can discuss these issues with you. Preparing Your Pet for Surgery: What to Expect?