Dental care for your pet is integral to longevity for both cats and dogs. Incorporating a routine of at home dental care for your pet is just as important as regular exercise and grooming. It also will increase the interval of time as to when a dental cleaning is needed.
Dental disease is more than just bad breath. Dental disease includes the presence of plaque (tartar) on the teeth or calculus build up, gingivitis and periodontal disease (changes to the tooth structure such as chipping or fracture). The bacteria that causes plaque can also have negative impact on internal organ function if left untreated. Abscessed or infected teeth can further compound systemic concerns.
Dental prophy, or cleaning, in animals is an anesthetic procedure. Because most patients will not “open up and say “aahh,” a thorough oral exam is performed while your pet is asleep. During that time, our technician will work closely with the doctor to examine and document any abnormalities within the oral cavity as well as each individual tooth. It is at this time; the doctor will be able to determine the need for dental radiographs and/or dental extractions.
The need for dental extractions and oral surgery is not always evident until the pet is under anesthesia and a thorough dental exam has been performed. Often, that exam includes dental radiographs to help the doctor determine the health of the tooth in question as well as the surrounding teeth. Dental extractions vary in difficulty; a loose and decayed tooth is much easier to extract than an otherwise healthy tooth that has been fractured. For this reason, extraction estimates, if needed, are given at the time of the dental procedure.
Our dental estimates include the exam, cleaning and polishing. It will also include pre-anesthetic blood work and IV fluid therapy. The estimate does not include dental extractions, oral surgery, or dental radiography as these things usually cannot be predicted ahead of time. However, there is the option to pre-approve any needed x-rays or extractions or to call first for approval (PLEASE BE AVAILABLE).
At your discharge appointment, you will be presented with a before and after photo of your pet’s teeth and your pet’s dental record. That record will include recommendations for aftercare, what level of dental disease your pet is currently at and a copy of the dental chart which shows periodontal pocketing, extracted teeth, missing teeth, and other important notations. This is the same record kept in your pet’s medical record at the clinic.
Our staff works diligently to deliver the best oral health care and to stay educated so that we can pass that knowledge to our clients. We are happy to teach you how to brush your pet’s teeth and can educate you on what products are available to aid in an at-home routine for your pet.