Comprehensive Pet Dentistry Services

Overview

Proper dental care is essential for the overall health and well-being of your pets, whether they are dogs, cats, or exotic pets like rodents. Dental disease is one of the most common health issues in animals, leading to serious complications if left untreated. At Animal Republic Veterinary Hospital and ER, we offer comprehensive dental services to ensure your pet’s teeth and gums remain healthy.

Why Dental Care is Critical

Dental disease in pets, including dogs, cats, and small mammals, can cause:

• Pain and Discomfort: Undetected dental issues can make eating painful for pets.
• Difficulty Eating: Dental disease can make chewing difficult, leading to weight loss and nutritional deficiencies.
• Bad Breath: Persistent bad breath is often a sign of underlying dental problems.
• Tooth Loss: Neglected dental health can lead to the loss of teeth, affecting your pet’s ability to eat properly.
• Systemic Infections: Infections from dental disease can spread to vital organs, including the heart, liver, and kidneys.

Regular dental care is vital to preventing these issues and ensuring your pet enjoys good oral health throughout their life.

Our Pet Dental Services

1. Professional Dental Cleanings

• Thorough Examination: Our veterinarians conduct a comprehensive oral exam to assess the health of your pet’s teeth and gums.
• Anesthesia for Safety: To perform a safe and thorough cleaning, we use anesthesia to keep your pet comfortable and still during the procedure.
• Scaling and Polishing: Advanced equipment is used to remove plaque and tartar, followed by polishing to reduce future plaque buildup.
• Dental X-Rays: We take dental radiographs to examine the health of the teeth below the gumline, where many issues go unnoticed.

2. Dental Extractions

• Pain Management: We ensure your pet’s comfort with appropriate pain relief before, during, and after extractions.
• Nerve Blocks: In some cases, nerve blocks are used for effective pain relief, minimizing discomfort during and after the procedure.
• Post-Extraction Care: We provide detailed aftercare instructions and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor healing and recovery.

3. Home Dental Care

• Brushing Techniques: We teach you how to brush your pet’s teeth at home—one of the most effective ways to maintain oral health.
• Dental Products: We recommend dental chews, treats, and diets designed to reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
• Regular Check-Ups: Routine dental check-ups help monitor your pet’s oral health and catch any issues early.

Common Dental Diseases in Pets

• Retained Baby Teeth: Occurs when baby teeth fail to fall out, leading to overcrowding and an increased risk of dental disease.
• Tooth Abscesses: Painful infections that can lead to swelling and difficulty eating.
• Feline Tooth Resorption: A common condition in cats where the tooth structure is resorbed, leading to pain and tooth loss.
• Periodontal Disease: Caused by plaque and tartar buildup, leading to gingivitis, tooth loss, and systemic health issues.
• Broken Teeth: Caused by chewing on hard objects or trauma, leading to pain and potential infections.
• Discolored or Non-Vital Teeth: Indicate possible tooth death or severe damage, requiring veterinary assessment.
• Oral Lesions and Growths: Can be benign or malignant; early detection is crucial for the best outcomes.
• Cavities: Rare but can occur, particularly in dogs, requiring prompt treatment.

Signs of Dental Disease to Watch For

• Bad Breath
• Red, Swollen, or Bleeding Gums
• Yellow or Brown Buildup (Plaque and Tartar)
• Loose or Missing Teeth
• Difficulty Eating or Chewing
• Pawing at the Mouth or Face
• Excessive Drooling

If you notice any of these signs, schedule a dental check-up for your pet immediately.

Preventative Dental Care

• Regular Cleanings and Exams: Annual dental check-ups are recommended for most pets, with some requiring more frequent visits.
• Diet and Nutrition: A balanced diet and dental-specific food can help maintain oral health. Our veterinarians can recommend the best options for your pet.