Dental Exams

Your pet’s dental health has a large impact on their overall health – just like people! Dental exams are important in order to prevent your dog or cat from forming periodontal disease, which is inflammation of the gums or bone and other support structures around the tooth. Bacteria from periodontal disease can spread to your pet’s liver, kidneys and heart, so it’s very important to treat! Symptoms of this condition are bad breath, excessive drooling or pawing at the mouth in your dog or cat. During your dog or cat’s dental exam, we will examine your pet’s teeth and gums and check for redness, inflammation and bleeding. We will check your dog or cat’s teeth for cracks, plaque and tartar. We will also look for lumps, swelling and growths that could be part of a more serious health issue. We do all of this to make sure that your pet is happy and healthy, and because catching problems quickly is the best way to ensure your pet’s continued health by your side!

Dental Cleanings

If your pet has red and swollen gums along with buildup of tartar on the tooth, we will perform a professional dental cleaning to remedy these problems! It’s necessary to first run a pre-anesthetic blood panel and urine test to be sure your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia. Once your pet is under anesthesia, we will take full mouth x-rays to uncover any lurking problems that may not be visible to our eyes. We will meticulously clean the teeth including a very important step of cleaning below the gum-line to prevent periodontal disease from progressing. After the procedure is over, we will educate you on home remedies that can be done in between dental cleanings!

Dental Cleanings

If your pet has red and swollen gums along with buildup of tartar on the tooth, we will perform a professional dental cleaning to remedy these problems! It’s necessary to first run a pre-anesthetic blood panel and urine test to be sure your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia. Once your pet is under anesthesia, we will take full mouth x-rays to uncover any lurking problems that may not be visible to our eyes. We will meticulously clean the teeth including a very important step of cleaning below the gum-line to prevent periodontal disease from progressing. After the procedure is over, we will educate you on home remedies that can be done in between dental cleanings!

Dental Surgery

Sometimes pets need dental surgery in order to keep them happy and healthy – just like humans! One of the most common forms of dental surgery is a tooth extraction. This is often performed when advanced periodontal disease has left your pet’s tooth unstable due to loss of bone or other supporting structures. Indications that your pet may need dental surgery include bad breath, refusing to eat hard food or treats, jaw chattering, pawing at their mouth, excessive drooling and swelling around the face. We feel it is our duty to pay the utmost attention to the comfort of our loyal companions during such procedures. We will carefully assess your pet’s condition and offer multiple forms of pain management during their stay.

Digital Dental Radiography

Dental X-rays (also called radiographs) in pets are similar to those taken in humans. Our pets cannot tell us when their teeth are diseased and some never show that they are in pain, even if they are. In many cases, X-rays are the only way your veterinarian can know that your dog has a serious dental problem.. An X-ray allows us to see the inside of your pet’s teeth and areas below the gum line that are hidden from view. X-rays are an imperative part of a dental cleaning and it is not recommended to put your pet through this procedure without getting a full picture of what is going on. Unlike humans, pets must be under general anesthesia for dental X-rays.

Digital Dental Radiography

Dental X-rays (also called radiographs) in pets are similar to those taken in humans. Our pets cannot tell us when their teeth are diseased and some never show that they are in pain, even if they are. In many cases, X-rays are the only way your veterinarian can know that your dog has a serious dental problem.. An X-ray allows us to see the inside of your pet’s teeth and areas below the gum line that are hidden from view. X-rays are an imperative part of a dental cleaning and it is not recommended to put your pet through this procedure without getting a full picture of what is going on. Unlike humans, pets must be under general anesthesia for dental X-rays.

Dental Costs

When scheduling this procedure you need to feel comfortable and confident with both the surgical standards and the pricing. For this reason we will provide you with an itemized estimate for your pet’s dental cleaning prior to scheduling. It’s important to understand this procedure can be costly and can increase in cost when you do not take care of your pet’s teeth regularly. The estimate will include:

  • Pre-anesthetic blood work
  • Anesthesia
  • Full mouth radiographs
  • Dental prophylaxis
  • Extractions if applicable
  • Pre & post pain medications
  • Go home medications

Dental Facts – Be Informed

What is Anesthesia-free dentistry?

Anesthesia-free dentistry is a service often provided at pet stores and grooming facilities. It involves removing tartar from the teeth of an awake dog or cat without the use of anesthesia, unlike veterinary dental procedures where pets are fully anesthetized for a thorough oral examination and treatment.

Should I consider Anesthesia-free dentistry for my pet?

While the concept of avoiding general anesthesia might seem appealing, anesthesia-free dentistry is typically more stressful for pets and is not widely recommended by veterinary professionals. This procedure requires placing sharp instruments inside the pet’s mouth while they are physically restrained, which can be distressing. High levels of restraint may be necessary depending on the pet’s temperament, and if the pet moves during the process, they risk injury from the sharp tools, causing further stress and potential pain.

Why are some dental procedures discounted?

Discounted dental procedures offered by some veterinarians may not meet the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) surgical standards. These discounted services may lack essential steps, such as full-mouth X-rays, pre-anesthetic blood work, and pre/post-operative pain management. It’s important to ask the right questions to ensure your pet’s safety and well-being.

Dental Facts – Be Informed

What is Anesthesia-free dentistry?

Anesthesia-free dentistry is a service often provided at pet stores and grooming facilities. It involves removing tartar from the teeth of an awake dog or cat without the use of anesthesia, unlike veterinary dental procedures where pets are fully anesthetized for a thorough oral examination and treatment.

Should I consider Anesthesia-free dentistry for my pet?

While the concept of avoiding general anesthesia might seem appealing, anesthesia-free dentistry is typically more stressful for pets and is not widely recommended by veterinary professionals. This procedure requires placing sharp instruments inside the pet’s mouth while they are physically restrained, which can be distressing. High levels of restraint may be necessary depending on the pet’s temperament, and if the pet moves during the process, they risk injury from the sharp tools, causing further stress and potential pain.

Why are some dental procedures discounted?

Discounted dental procedures offered by some veterinarians may not meet the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) surgical standards. These discounted services may lack essential steps, such as full-mouth X-rays, pre-anesthetic blood work, and pre/post-operative pain management. It’s important to ask the right questions to ensure your pet’s safety and well-being.