Dental care is a critical component of your pet’s overall health regimen and is a special feature among our clinic services. Some of our dental services include dental scaling and polishing, oral surgery, root canals, and vital pulpotomies. All dental procedures are performed by our veterinarians and dental technicians in our dental suite- a room dedicated to the detailed nature of dental work. The dental suite allows us to provide the highest standards of dental care for your pet and includes equipment such as ultrasonic dental scalers, high-speed dental drills, and digital dental x-rays.
What is Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is the most common disease of small animals. The build-up of bacteria on your pet’s teeth may cause more than just bad breath; it can cause diseases in other organs of the body like the heart, liver, and kidneys. An animal’s teeth are prone to plaque buildup, and when allowed to combine with saliva and residual food between the tooth and gums, plaque turns to tartar. If the plaque and tartar are not removed routinely it will cause periodontal disease.
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums most commonly caused by the accumulation of food particles in the crevices between the gums and teeth. The main symptom is bleeding, but you may notice redness, pain, and difficulty chewing. Gingivitis left untreated may lead to periodontitis.
Periodontitis is a serious infection that spreads to the tissues and bone in which the teeth are rooted causing loss of the teeth. This disease is irreversible and may lead to other health problems in your pet.
Signs of Periodontal Disease
- Yellow and brown tartar buildup
- Bleeding
- Bad breath
- Red inflamed gums
- Difficulty chewing
- Change in eating habits
- Drooling
The Assessment, Treatment, and Prevention of Dental Disease
Yearly oral dental exams need to be performed to maintain good oral health. In some smaller breed dogs, they may need an oral exam every 6 months.
The doctors and staff at Craig Road Animal Hospital know how important oral health is in keeping your pet healthy. To ensure you pet has the healthiest smile, every animal having a dental performed is set up on our DENTAL AWARENESS PLAN, because oral health is important every month of the year. Our Dental Awareness Plan explains each step of your pet’s Oral Assessment, Treatment and Prevention.
Learn More About Pet Dental Care:
Dental Awareness Plan
Levels of Dental Disease
Dental Care for Puppies and Kittens
How to Brush Your Pet’s Teeth
