Dental Care for Pets
Routine oral health care is a necessary and crucial part of your cat or dog's general health. Unfortunately, many pets don't receive appropriate dental care and suffer from various oral health conditions.
Our Denver animal care center is able to offer complete veterinary dental service for your pet as well as suggest a routine oral health care schedule to fit your pet, such as dental exams, teeth cleanings, and polishing.
We also believe that home care is a crucial part of your animal's oral health routine. Our vets are happy to share recommendations on products you should be using at home as well as tips for how to keep your pet's mouth clean.
Dental Surgery in Denver
Our vets know that hearing your pet needs dental surgery can be stressful. We aim to make the process as simple and relaxing as possible.
Our knowledgeable staff will ensure that you are included in every step of the process. We will explain the surgery and what to expect in great detail before the procedure, including preparation and post-operative care requirements.
Some of the common dental surgeries we perform are tooth extractions and gum disease treatment for dogs and cats.
Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams
Generally, your pet should have a dental check-up annually. It is recommended that pet's who are more prone to oral health issues visit more frequently.
Our Downtown Animal Care Center vets are available to examine, diagnose and treat oral health issues in your pet.
- Symptoms
These are some of the symptoms you should monitor for,
- 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
- Assessment
Your vet will perform a thorough pre-anesthesia dental examination prior to any treatment.
Your vet will perform diagnostic tests to ensure that your pet can safely undergo anesthesia.
Once the vet has confirmed that your pet is successfully under anesthesia, a comprehensive oral examination and charting will be completed.
- Treatment
Each of your pet's teeth will be cleaned and polished (including under the gum line). Your vet may also decide to take dental x-rays at this time. We always include a fluoride treatment during your pet's treatment.
Your vet will then apply a dental sealant to the enamel to prevent future plaque buildup. In the case that advanced periodontal disease is discovered, your veterinarian will discuss possible treatment options with you.
- Prevention
Our vets recommend a follow-up appointment approximately two weeks after the dental procedure.
During this routine visit, your vet will also talk about the best options for at-home care for you and your pet.
FAQs About Pet Dental Care
Here are some of the most common questions about veterinary dental services we get at our animal care center,
- Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
If your pet is suffering from poor oral health the bacteria could cause tooth decay or periodontal disease.
Every time your pet eats, there is plaque that begins to build up on their teeth which requires regular cleaning.
If regular cleaning does not happen then this can lead to oral, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and even loose or missing teeth.
Routine oral health care is very important to be sure that these conditions do not happen to your pet.
- How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
One of the easiest ways to tell if your pet is experiencing any sort of dental discomfort is through their behavior. Your pet may be drooling excessively, possibly containing pus or blood, or they may be scratching at their mouth or teeth. Other signs could be yawning more than usual or grinding their teeth.
Other common signs include bad breath, swollen gums, and tooth discoloration.
- What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
If your pet has oral health issues that go untreated this can lead to more severe oral health conditions which in turn can lead to disease in the liver, kidney, heart, and other areas throughout your pet's body including the development of cysts and tumors.
Severe oral health conditions will leave your pet in pain and not feeling very well. In addition, diseases that affect your pet's oral health have the potential to shorten the lifespan of your pet and cause significant pain.
Routine oral healthcare is highly recommended in order to care for your pet's wellbeing as a whole.
- What happens during my pet's dental cleaning appointment?
Your vet will initially begin by assessing for any obvious signs of dental issues while examining all parts of your pet's teeth and mouth.
Next, your vet will clean away any tartar and other debris that they find from your cat's or dog's teeth. If they discover any cavities, gingivitis, or other conditions, they will discuss their findings with you and recommend the appropriate next steps to take.
If your vet discovered a serious issue that needs to be resolved with surgery they will provide your pet with anesthesia before their dental procedure in order to make your pet comfortable and to ensure they can perform the procedure safely. Your pet will require extra care after the surgery has been completed.
- What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
Providing your pet with routine at-home care such as brushing their teeth and allowing the use of dental bones and treats will help to ensure your pet's oral health in between veterinary appointments.
Always ensure that your pet is only chewing on objects which are made for your type of pet specifically and always contact your vet if you have any questions or concerns regarding your pet's dental health.
Veterinary Dentistry: Anesthesia & Your Pet's Oral Health
Your pet will not understand what we are doing while we are performing a dental procedure and may become nervous.
Because of this nervousness, our Denver vets always provide anesthesia to all pets prior to performing dental procedures in order to minimize risk from struggling and potential bites.