Comprehensive Dental Care for Your Pet
Routine dental care is a vital part of overall health care for cats and dogs. Unfortunately, it is often neglected. Like humans, pets need regular oral hygiene care to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
At our Wiggins veterinary hospital, we offer a wide range of general veterinary dentistry services for your pet, from basics such as dental exams, teeth cleanings, and polishing to surgeries.
We also take great pride in providing dental health education to pet owners about home dental care for their pets. This at-home maintenance can help prevent serious dental issues from arising.
Dental Surgery in Wiggins
It can be overwhelming if your pet is in need of dental surgery. We're here to support you by making the process as stress-free as possible for you and your pet.
Our goal is to ensure that you and your pet have a comfortable experience every time you visit our office. We'll explain the surgical process to you in great detail before procedures, including preparation and post-operative care requirements.
Our clinic offers jaw fracture repair surgeries, tooth extractions, and gum disease treatment for dogs and cats.
Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams
Your furry friend should come in for a dental examination at least once a year. If your pet is prone to dental issues, then we may recommend that they visit us more often.
Our Wiggins Veterinary Hospital veterinary dental team can assess, diagnose, and treat dental health problems in cats and dogs.
- Symptoms
The following signs indicate that you should bring your pet in for a dental exam:
- Tartar buildup
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Bad breath
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
- Discolored teeth
- Assessment
A pre-anesthetic physical assessment will be completed before your pet's 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 comfortably under anesthesia, we will conduct a full oral examination and complete charting.
- Treatment
Once the exam is complete, the teeth are cleaned and polished (above and under the gum line), and X-rays are taken. We then apply a fluoride treatment to each tooth.
Afterward, we will apply a dental sealant to the teeth to protect them against plaque. If your vet finds signs of advanced periodontal disease, they will develop a treatment plan and discuss it with you.
- Prevention
You will need to bring your pet in for routine checkups and cleanings at regular intervals as outlined by the vet.
Your vet will discuss the implementation of teeth brushing at home and can also recommend products that can help improve your pet's oral health.
FAQs About Pet Dental Care
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from our clients about pet dental care.
- Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
Periodontal disease and other oral health issues are directly correlated with poor oral hygiene. It occurs when a pet's teeth aren't properly 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. With regular dental care, you can help prevent these issues from impacting your pet.
- How do I know if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
If your pet is experiencing dental problems, they may drool excessively (and the drool may contain pus or blood), or you may notice them pawing at their mouth or teeth. They may also yawn excessively, grind their teeth, or stop grooming sufficiently. All of these behavioral changes are strong indicators of oral health issues.
Other common symptoms of oral health issues include bad breath, swollen gums, and tooth discoloration. Some pets may be suffering from pain that keeps them from eating.
- What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
Along with problems like cavities and bad breath, oral health issues and conditions can lead to disease in the liver, kidneys, heart, and other areas throughout your pet's body.
Your pet may also not feel well in general when experiencing tooth discomfort, and diseases related to oral health conditions can shorten the lifespan of your pet and cause them significant pain.
This is why regular dental care is so essential to companion animals' physical health and well-being.
- What happens during a pet teeth cleaning appointment?
During the dental visit, your vet will examine your pet's mouth and look for oral health conditions or any symptoms indicating a need for treatment.
The vet will thoroughly clean tartar and other debris from your pet's teeth. If cavities, gingivitis, or other conditions need to be addressed, the vet will explain these to you and advise you on the next steps that you should take.
- How can I keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments
At home, brush your pet's teeth regularly and give them dental chew toys to help eliminate plaque and keep their teeth clean.
You should never allow your pet 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.
- Tartar buildup
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Bad breath
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
- Discolored teeth
Veterinary Dentistry: About Anesthesia
Your pets do not understand what is happening during dental procedures, and so we use anesthesia to help prevent any stress.
Our Wiggins vets provide anesthesia to all of our animal patients before performing dental procedures. This puts less stress on the animals and allows us to examine their mouth thoroughly.