Veterinary Dentistry & Dental Surgery
The Importance of Oral Health For Dogs & Cats
Bad breath, broken teeth, and painful tooth and gum conditions can develop when we neglect the oral health of furry family members.
Diligent at-home care combined with dental cleanings and exams can help to prevent dental issues and preserve your pet's good oral health.
At Madeira Park Veterinary Hospital, we offer a range of dental care services for dogs and cats, and provide pet parents with the information they need to care for their pet's oral health at home.
Dental Surgery in Madeira Park
We offer dental surgeries for pets including jaw fracture repairs, tooth extractions, and treatment for periodontal disease.
We will do all we can to make this process as stress-free as possible for you and your dog or cat. We will provide your pet with anesthesia before their dental surgery to ensure they are comfortable and do not experience any pain.
Teeth Cleaning & Examinations
Annual dental checkups are an important aspect of caring for your dog or cat's overall health. Detecting oral health issues early can help to prevent your pet from experiencing pain or discomfort due to issues such as tooth decay, broken teeth or periodontal disease.
Pet dental appointments at Madeira Park Veterinary Hospital typically involve the following:
-
Pre-Anesthetic Assessment
A thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment will be completed for your dog or cat before their dental exam.
We will take blood and urine analyses to help ensure it's safe for your pet to undergo anesthesia. Additional diagnostics, such as chest radiographs or an ECG, may also be conducted.
-
Administering Anesthesia
Anesthesia is administered to all patients undergoing dental procedures. This allows us to do a thorough examination and cleaning as well as capture any X-rays required safely and efficiently without undue stress on the pet.
-
Oral Examination & Cleaning
Once your dog or cat 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. Your pet will be given a fluoride treatment and a dental sealant will be applied to help prevent plaque from attaching to the enamel.
If any oral health problems are discovered, the veterinarian will develop a treatment plan to help resolve the issue and restore your pet's good oral health. Treatment will depend upon the specific problem that your pet is experiencing but may include dental surgery.
-
Follow-up Exam & Home Care
Your veterinarian may recommend a follow-up examination be scheduled two weeks after the initial appointment.
During this visit, we will check your dog or cat's post-treatment oral health, discuss any concerns you may have about their dental health, and provide advice on at-home care for your pet's teeth.
FAQs About Pet Dental Care
To learn more about pet dental care read through our answers to these frequently asked questions from our clients.
-
Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
Like their human family members, dogs and cats can develop periodontal disease or tooth decay due to poor oral hygiene.
When our pets eat, plaque sticks to their teeth and can build up into tartar if not cleaned away regularly. Annual dental care at your veterinarian's office combined with oral health care at home can help prevent your dog or cat from developing conditions such as periodontal disease, tooth decay, and loose or missing teeth.
-
How often does my pets need their teeth cleaned?
We recommend that most dogs and cats see a veterinarian for a dental checkup once a year. Pets with a higher risk of developing dental problems may require more frequent appointments.
-
How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
Dogs and cats experiencing dental problems may show one or more of the following signs:
- Bad breath
- Swollen gums
- Discoloured teeth, or tartar buildup
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Abnormal chewing, dropping food while eating
- Excessive drooling (may contain pus or blood)
- Pawing at their mouth or teeth
- Repeated yawning
- Teeth grinding
- Reduced grooming
-
What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
As well as causing problems such as cavities, bad breath and periodontal disease, oral health problems can also lead to disease in the liver, kidney, heart, and other areas throughout your pet's body.
-
What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
Brushing your dog or cat's teeth regularly, providing dental chews or chew toys, and feeding specially formulated foods and treats can help to control the buildup of plaque. Ask your veterinarian for more tips on caring for your dog or cat's teeth between appointments.
-
Why does my pet require anesthesia for their dental appointment?
Cats and dogs are unable to understand what is going on during dental procedures, and will often react by struggling or biting. Using anesthesia puts less stress on your beloved companion and allows our team to examine their mouth safely.
-
What dental issues may require dental surgery as treatment?
Issues that may require dental surgery include cracked or broken teeth; tooth decay; severe gum disease (periodontitis); jaw fractures; TMJ (temporomandibular joint); luxation; or dysplasia feline stomatitis.