Advanced Dental Care

Dental health is one of the most important parts of your pet’s long-term well-being. An animal with healthy teeth has a healthier heart, healthier kidneys, healthier bones, healthier skin, and a healthier coat. 

Common Signs of Dental Disease

Dental diseases are among the most common clinical condition occurring in adult dogs and cats. Do you recognize the signs?

• bad breath
• swollen, red, or bleeding gums
• loose or lost teeth
• tartar buildup or discolored teeth
• changes in eating or chewing habits
• dropping food
• pawing at the face
• moves away when you touch the mouth area
• depressed mood, lethargy

Though pets with dental disease may exhibit these symptoms, it’s important to remember that pets with painful dental conditions do not always display obvious clinical signs. Also, many dental conditions develop gradually. That’s why routine checkups and at-home oral hygiene are so important. Our doctors examine your pet’s mouth during every wellness appointment and they can recommend an at-home dental care regimen for your pet.

Why do we use anesthesia for all dental procedures? 

When humans visit the dentist, we can follow the dentist’s or hygienist’s instructions to “open” or to “hold still” for an x-ray. Our pets can’t.

We understand why the procedure is important and we recognize that any discomfort is temporary. Our pets don’t.

Anesthesia makes it possible for your veterinarian to thoroughly examine your pet’s mouth, including all the tissues and teeth. Then, they can use ultrasonic and manual equipment to clean (scale and polish) their teeth above and below the gumline.

They can also take x-rays and perform extractions, if necessary.

Learn more about how we use anesthesia safely and effectively for your pet’s health and comfort.

a stuffed "pet" has her teeth cleaned in our dental suite