Comprehensive Dental Care for Cats & Dogs
At our veterinary hospital, we provide complete dental care for your pet, from basics such as dental exams, teeth cleanings, and polishing, to dental x-rays and surgeries.
Routine pet dental care is an important part of cats' and dogs' oral and general health, yet most pets do not receive the oral hygiene treatment they require to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
We also make a point of providing dental health education to pet owners about home dental care for their pets.
Dental Surgery at Four Corners Veterinary Hospital
We realize how stressful it may be to learn that your pet needs dental surgery. We work hard to make this process as stress-free as possible for both you and your pet.
We'll do everything we can to ensure your pet's experience with us is comfortable and easy. We'll break down each step of the process to you in detail before the procedure, including preparation and post-operative care requirements.
We offer jaw fracture repair surgeries, tooth extractions, and gum disease treatment for dogs and cats.
Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams
Much like your annual checkup at the dentist, your dog or cat should come in for a dental examination at least once a year. Pets who are more prone to dental problems than others may need to see us more often.
Four Corners Veterinary Hospital can assess, diagnose and treat dental health problems in cats and dogs.
- Symptoms
If you notice any of the following symptoms in your pet, it's time for a dental checkup.
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Abnormal chewing, drooling or dropping food from the mouth
- Bad breath
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Tartar buildup
- Discolored teeth
- Assessment
A thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment will be completed for your pet before the dental exam.
We will take blood and urine analyses to ensure it's safe for your pet to undergo anesthesia. Additional diagnostics, such as chest radiographs or an ECG may also be conducted.
Once your pet is under anesthesia, we will conduct a complete oral examination (tooth by tooth) and charting.
- Treatment
Next, the teeth are cleaned and polished (including under the gum line) and x-rays are taken. We then apply a fluoride treatment to each tooth.
Finally, a dental sealant is applied to prevent plaque from adhering to the enamel. If extensive periodontal disease is discovered, the veterinarian will devise a treatment plan and consult with you on it.
- Prevention
Ideally, a follow-up examination will be scheduled two weeks after the initial assessment and treatment appointment.
During this appointment, we will talk about how to clean your teeth at home. We may also recommend items that can aid your pet's dental health.
FAQs about Pet Dental Care
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions concerning pet dental care from our patients.
- Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
Just like in humans, when animals eat, plaque sticks to their teeth and can build up into tartar if not brushed away regularly.
This can lead to infections in the mouth, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and even loose or missing teeth. That's why regular dental care is essential to preventing pain or disease in the gums.
- How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
If your pet has dental difficulties, you may notice them drooling excessively (which may contain pus or blood) or pawing at their mouth or teeth. They may also yawn excessively, grind their teeth, or fail to groom enough.
Other signs of oral health problems include bad breath, swollen gums, and tooth discoloration. Some pets may even suffer from pain that keeps them from eating. Read more about symptoms to the left under Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams.
- What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
Besides causing problems ranging from cavities and bad breath to severe periodontal disease, oral health issues and conditions can lead to disease in the liver, kidney, heart, and other areas throughout your pet's body.
Cysts or tumors may develop. Your pet may also not feel well in general (if you've ever had a toothache, you know how it can affect your mood!). In addition, diseases related to oral health conditions can shorten the lifespan of your pet and cause significant pain.
This is why regular dental care is so important for the physical health and well-being of animals.
- What happens during pet teeth cleaning appointments?
During your pet’s regular oral exam, the vet will examine his or her mouth and look for oral health conditions or any symptoms needing treatment.
Tartar and other debris will be removed from your cat's or dog's teeth by the veterinarian. If cavities, gingivitis, or other problems need to be addressed, the veterinarian will explain them to you and advise you on what steps to take.
In some cases, surgery will be needed to treat serious conditions. Your pet will be provided with anesthesia before their dental procedure to ensure they are comfortable and do not experience any pain. However, special care will be needed post-surgery.
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a dental appointment with us.
- What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
Brushing your pet's teeth and providing dental chew toys should be done on a regular basis at home. These will aid in the removal of plaque.
Do not allow them to chew on things that will damage their teeth, such as bones, toys or objects that are too hard. Always contact your vet with any questions or concerns regarding your pet's oral health.
Veterinary Dentistry: Anesthesia & Your Pet's Oral Health
Cats and dogs do not comprehend what is going on during dental treatments and may respond by resisting or biting.
Similar to the anesthesia provided to nervous or anxious patients by dentists, our veterinarians provide anesthesia to all of our patients before performing dental procedures. This puts less stress on the animals and allows us to x-ray their mouth as needed.