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.

A Dental Cleaning 
Start to Finish 

Before the Cleaning

Over time, tarter builds up on your pet's teeth. If the tarter 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 an Ultrasonic Cleaning we can assess the gums and teeth without the tarter. After a thorough examination we can determine if the teeth need further diagnostics and treatment 

Diagnostic Tools: Radiology 

Radiographs (x-rays) allow us to determine the severity of dental disease below the surface. 

The Finished Product 

After removing the tarter build up with an ultrasonic cleaner.  We saw that the gum tissue was receded revealing roots of some of the teeth as well periodontal pockets in the gums around 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. 

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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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Before Extraction of fractured tooth 

After Extraction 

You can schedule a dental cleaning or a consultation, during which we will examine your pet's mouth and make recommendations for further care.  We want the best for your pet, so please ask us about their dental health!  ​