Routine Dental Care
Pets need routine dental care, too. Dental disease, or periodontal disease, is the most commonly diagnosed medical condition in pets, affecting 80 percent of cats and 70 percent of dogs by 3 years of age. This preventable condition occurs when plaque and tartar accumulate below the gum line, damaging the tooth root and causing painful infection, inflammation, tooth fracture, and bone loss.
Although dental chews and treats may help improve your pet's bad breath, they cannot reverse dental disease. The only effective way to restore and protect your pet's dental health is with an annual oral examination and an anesthetized dental cleaning.
Recognizing Dental Disease.
The dental disease commonly goes unnoticed by pet owners, which allows it to progress unchecked. Untreated dental disease can damage the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys and may lead to organ failure and, in some cases, death. Fortunately, dental disease is easy to spot if you know what to look for, and our doctor knows what to look for every time your pet is examined. Signs of dental disease include:
- Bad Breath
- Red, irritated, or bleeding gums
- Broken Teeth
- Discolored Teeth
- Drooling
- Reduced Appetite
- Pawing at the mouth
- Facial Swelling
- Weight Loss
Our Services
During your pet’s annual wellness visit, our doctor will evaluate their teeth and oral cavity for disease and make treatment recommendations. Our mobile clinic is equipped with everything needed to perform a complete dental cleaning if dental care is required. Our detailed dental services include:
- Oral health assessment — A thorough oral cavity examination is performed to look for missing, broken, or damaged teeth, gum recession, and tumors.
- Scaling — While your pet is anesthetized, plaque and tartar are removed from all tooth surfaces, including below the gum line, using an ultrasonic scaler.
- Polishing — Polishing removes any microabrasions caused by scaling and protects the tooth’s enamel.
- Extractions — If our doctor discovers any broken, damaged, or infected teeth, he can remove them to alleviate pain and discomfort. Your pet will receive pain medication, and we will provide detailed home-care instructions.
- Preventive care — We can show you how to brush your pet’s teeth and recommend effective products to prevent excessive plaque and tartar.
It doesn't get more convenient than dental care in your driveway! If you would like more information, have questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us.