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Dental health is a very important part of your pet's overall health and wellness.  Dental disease can affect all organ systems in the body, especially the kidneys, liver, and heart.  Your pet's teeth should be checked by a veterinarian at least once per year.  The treatment of dental disease includes a thorough dental cleaning and polishing and potentially, dental radiographs.  Radiographs (x-rays) will help determine the severity of the condition and whether or not further treatment is necessary.  Treating early in the disease will not only help keep your pet healthy, but it may also prevent more extensive treatment such as tooth extraction.

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A Dental Cleaning 
Start to Finish 

Our example patient is a 9 pound Shih Tzu. She is 7 years old at the time of the dental cleaning and previous had a dental cleaning with extractions when she was 3 years old. She came in for another dental cleaning as the tartar on her teeth had accumulated causing dental issues for the patient. 

Before the Cleaning

Over time, tartar builds up on your pet's teeth. If the tartar is left on the teeth for extensive time it can cause serious damage.  Damage such as; gum recession, infection, and tooth decay. 

After the Cleaning

After the teeth have been cleaned with an Ultrasonic scaler we can assess the gums and teeth without the tartar. After a thorough examination we can determine if the teeth need further diagnostics tools and treatment 

Diagnostic Tools: Radiology 

By utilizing radiology (x-rays) we can determine the severity of the dental disease and damage done to the teeth and gingival tissue below the surface.  X-rays are a valuable and appreciated tool for dentals.

The Finished Product 

After removing the tartar accumulation with an ultrasonic scaler.  We saw that the gum tissue was receded revealing roots of some of the teeth as well as periodontal pockets in th gingival tissue surrounding the teeth. Over time, that damage causes the teeth to become mobile. Radiographs showed how severe the dental disease was and deemed extraction necessary  for a healthier life for the dog. 

Dental Cleanings are Pet and Owner Recommended!

7 Months After The Dental Cleaning and Extractions

Gingival tissue heals quickly. In the above picture we can see where the dog's teeth were extracted from has healed over with pink healthy tissue. The teeth that were not extracted and were cleaned with an ultrasonic scaler remain to have healthy gingival tissue supporting them. There are no signs of infection or further damage to these teeth because of the cleaning. The tartar has started to form on the teeth again, but is minimal to not be causing more issues for the dog.

Routine dental cleanings are important for the health and happiness of your pet.  

For small dog breeds and cats we recommend dental cleanings yearly starting approximately 3 to 4 years of age to prevent dental disease. For medium and larger breed dogs (depending on the dog), we recommend their first dental cleaning between 4 and 8 years of age. With routine wellness exams to monitor your pet's oral health and routine dental cleanings your pet can stay happy and healthy!

Meet the Patient, Jinksie!

What Does the Patient Have To Say? 

After this dog was seen for a dental cleaning and extractions, her owner said she felt much better! She started playing and fetching more than she did when she was a puppy! She became more active and eating better because of the dental cleaning and removing the teeth that were causing her pain.
Her owner plans to continue dental cleanings as needed to keep her furry companion feeling better than she has in years! 

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Our veterinarians are well trained in dental care.  We can make recommendations based on your pet's overall health and the health of their teeth, and provide you with treatment options. All of our dental procedures are performed under general and inhalant anesthesia.  Anesthesia makes it possible to perform thorough examination of the mouth and to the perform the dental procedures with less stress and pain for your pet.  It also allows for a much more thorough and complete cleaning and polishing of your pet's teeth.

Prevention of dental disease is also very important.  The gold standard is brushing your pet's teeth daily.  However, we are realistic and realize that this may be difficult, and recommend brushing at least twice weekly.  There are also may products such as dental chews and rinses that could help decrease tartar and bacteria in the mouth.  

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 We offer dental consultation examinations and dental cleanings to examine your pet's mouth and make recommendations for further dental care. We want the best for your family and pets.
​To schedule a dental consultation or dental cleaning call us to set up an appointment   ​