Dental Health

Periodontal (gum) disease is one of the most common conditions encountered in veterinary medicine and correcting it can help to keep your pet healthy and pain free.  The problem begins when plaque and tartar accumulate on your pet's teeth.  Plaque harbors bacteria, which can infect gums and the roots of teeth resulting in dental disease, tooth loss, and pain.  Furthermore, bacteria may enter the bloodstream through the large network of blood vessels located near the teeth and gums.  Recent studies have documented that these bacteria may be involved with infection in major organs such as the kidneys, liver, and heart. 

Dental Radiographs are one of the most important diagnostic tools available to a veterinarian during a dental cleaning.  They allow the internal anatomy of the teeth, the roots and the bone that surrounds the the roots to be examined. Intra-oral (in the mouth) radiographs are made using a digital sensor placed inside the patient's mouth, providing superior quality for the examination of individual teeth or sections of the jaws.  Because your pet would not cooperate when the radiographic sensor is placed in the mouth, taking dental x-rays require that your pet is anesthetized. 

Each routine dental cleaning includes:

• Dental scaling and polishing 
• Dental Radiographs
• Anesthesia with pulse, oxygen, ECG, and blood pressure monitoring
• Hematocrit (to check for anemia) and total protein of blood sample
• IV fluids during the procedure
• Pre-surgical pain control
• Nail trim
• Sample of dental diet and products

Additional services may include:

• Extractions
• Post dental pain control
• Post dental antibiotics
• Pre-anesthetic bloodwork
• Doxi-robe gel treatments