Many health problems start in the mouth. Dental disease can occur in pets of all ages, but if your pet is 3 years or older, it’s likely he or she has tartar and plaque build-up on the teeth and needs a dental cleaning. Older pets that have not had regular preventive dental care and cleanings will have advanced tartar build-up and some degree of gum disease. Left untreated, it can eventually result in tooth loss, pain, and serious illness.

There are many ways that dog and cat owners can help their veterinarian provide a healthy mouth for their pet, including at-home brushing, regular dental cleaning and polishing, as well as tooth extractions and oral surgery when necessary.

Regular professional cleaning is important to maintaining your pet’s health at any age. Following American Veterinary Medical Association guidelines, we perform all dental cleanings under general anesthesia in order to properly and safely examine and clean the teeth. We use modern and safe ultrasonic equipment, thoroughly cleaning each tooth above and below the gum line. Dental technicians polish the teeth to create a smooth surface that’s more resistant to plaque buildup.

After the teeth are cleaned and polished, your veterinarian will perform a thorough oral exam and check for signs of dental disease. Extensive dental disease may necessitate removal of a tooth, and many teeth require oral surgery to safely remove each individual root. We have extensive training and experience to perform these procedures properly. Oral nerve blocks and injectable pain medications are administered if teeth are extracted. Your pet will also be sent home with oral pain medication. Pets recover quickly following these procedures, and, once the gums have completely healed, most resume eating regular dry kibble even when multiple teeth are extracted.

Need to schedule a dental exam or treatment for your pet? Request an appointment online or call us at (410) 838-7797 ext. 2.