Veterinary Dentistry

A thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment will be completed for your pet before the dental exam.

We will take blood and urine analyses to ensure it's safe for your pet to undergo anesthesia. Additional diagnostics, such as chest radiographs or an ECG may also be conducted.

Anesthesia is administered to all patients undergoing dental procedures. This allows us to do a thorough examination and cleaning as well as capture any required X-rays safely and efficiently without undue stress on your dog or cat.

Once your pet is under anesthesia, we will conduct a complete tooth-by-tooth oral examination and charting. Their teeth will be cleaned and polished (including under the gum line) and X-rays may be taken. We then apply a fluoride treatment to each tooth, as well as dental sealant to prevent plaque from attaching to the enamel.

If any oral health concerns are discovered, the veterinarian will develop a custom treatment plan, which may include dental surgery, and discuss it with you.

Your veterinarian may recommend a follow-up examination be scheduled two weeks after the initial appointment.

During this visit, we will discuss any concerns and provide advice on at-home care for your pet's teeth.

Many people believe that pets clean their teeth by chewing, but chewing only removes some of the food and deposits from your pet's teeth. Without proper cleaning, plaque will remain on the teeth and build up into tartar.

Tartar can lead to infections in the mouth, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and even loose or missing teeth. That's why regular dental care is essential for preventing pain or disease in the gums.

Your dentist can clean away tartar buildup and help restore your pet's good oral health.

If you notice any of the following symptoms in your pet, it's time for a dental checkup.

• Tartar buildup
• Loose and/or broken teeth
• Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
• Bleeding from the mouth
• Bad breath 
• Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
• Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
• Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth 
• Discolored teeth 

Besides causing problems such as cavities, bad breath and severe periodontal disease, oral health problems can also lead to disease in the liver, kidney, heart, and other areas throughout your pet's body. 

Cysts or tumors may develop. Your pet may also not feel well in general (if you've ever had a toothache, you know how it can affect your mood!). In addition, diseases related to oral health conditions can shorten the lifespan of your pet and cause significant pain. 

This is why regular dental care is essential to the physical health and well-being of our animal companions. 

At home, you should brush your pet's teeth regularly and provide them with dental chew toys. These will help eliminate plaque from your pet's teeth. 

Do not allow your dog or cat to chew on things that will damage their teeth, such as bones, toys or objects that are too hard. Always contact your vet with any questions or concerns regarding your pet's oral health.

Dental care for pets is not nearly as costly as treating diseases that result from poor dental hygiene such as gum disease, painful infections, and heart disease.

Regular brushing and dental treats can be a cost-effective way to reduce your pet's risk of dental health problems between professional cleanings.