Dental Examinations
Pets need regular dental check-ups to maintain good oral health. Dental examinations are crucial for identifying any potential issues and preventing them from developing into more serious problems. In addition, bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and affect other organs, such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. This is why it is crucial to prioritize your pet's dental health.
During a dental examination, we will thoroughly examine your pet's mouth, teeth, and gums. We will also check for any signs of dental disease and provide recommendations for proper dental care.
Signs of Dental Disease
Pet owners need to be aware of the signs of dental disease in their furry companions. Catching these signs early on can prevent the disease from progressing and causing further damage.
- Difficulty eating or dropping food
- Pawing at their mouth
- Bad breath
- Excessive drooling
- Red or swollen gums
- Loose or missing teeth
- Behavior changes
If you notice any of these signs, it is crucial to schedule a dental examination with your veterinarian.
Pet Dental Cleaning
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A pet dental cleaning is a thorough process that involves removing plaque and tartar from your pet's teeth, as well as addressing any other dental issues that may be present. Here's what you can expect during a pet dental cleaning:
- Bloodwork within 30 days prior or done the morning of the procedure.
- IV fluids
- Pre-dental examination
- Anesthesia (with full monitoring including body temperature, blood pressure, ECG, Pulse oximeter and capnograph)
- Scaling (cleaning)
- Polishing
- Extraction (Severely damaged or infected teeth may need to be extracted.)
- Oravet sealant - significantly reduces plaque and tartar formation by creating an invisible barrier that helps prevent bacteria from attaching to your pets teeth.
- Post Anesthesia dental care (monitoring)
How to Prepare for a Pet Dental Cleaning
If your pet is scheduled for a dental cleaning, there are a few things you can do to prepare them for the procedure. These include:
- Fasting: No food after 6pm the night before the procedure and no water after midnight to prevent any complications during anesthesia.
- Pre-anesthetic bloodwork: Pre-anesthetic bloodwork is done to ensure your pet is healthy enough for the procedure.
- Drop off time is between 7:45 - 8:15am and pickup is typically between 4:00 – 5:30pm.
At-Home Dental Care
Between annual dental cleanings and exams, we strongly encourage at-home dental care. At-home dental care reduces plaque build-up and oral bacteria that may lead to more detrimental conditions. Below are things you can do at home to maintain good dental health.
- Brush your pet’s teeth every 1-2 days
- Dental chews and treats (avoid rawhides, hoofs, and other hard bones that can break or damage your pet’s teeth)
- Water additives approved by your vet
- Dental wipes
- Dental food - Hill’s T/D diet
Optional Additional Therapies - Laser Therapy After a Pet Dental
Pet laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses light energy to stimulate healing and reduce pain and inflammation. The therapy involves using a handheld device that emits a specific wavelength of light to target the affected area. The light energy penetrates deep into the tissue, promoting cellular regeneration and reducing pain and inflammation.
How Does it Help with Post-Dental Treatment?
If your pet has gingivitis or requires extractions during the dental, pet laser therapy can help alleviate pain and inflammation. Laser therapy will enhance healing and improve your pet's recovery process in the following ways:
- Reducing Pain: The light energy from the laser stimulates the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers. This helps reduce your pet's discomfort and allows them to resume their normal activities sooner.
- Reducing Inflammation: Dental procedures can cause inflammation in the affected area, leading to swelling and discomfort. The light energy from the laser helps reduce inflammation by increasing blood flow and promoting the removal of waste products from the tissue.
- Promoting Healing: The light energy from the laser also stimulates cellular regeneration, which helps the tissue heal faster. This can be especially beneficial for pets with underlying health conditions that may slow down the healing process.
- Minimizing the Need for Medication: With veterinary laser therapy, your pet may require less pain medication. This is because the therapy itself helps reduce pain and inflammation, making it a safer and more natural alternative.
