The single most important procedure for small animal medicine is routine teeth cleaning and after-care. Studies show that up to 80% of dogs and cats over the age of three years have some level of periodontal disease. Extensive periodontal disease can lead to organ failure. Your pet’s overall health can be maintained with regular dental hygiene.
101 Pet Vet provides the following services:
- Oral exams on your pet while they’re awake and again while under general anesthesia.
- Pre-surgical bloodwork to evaluate blood cell count, liver and kidney functions.
- Pre-surgical ECG to evaluate heart rhythm and function.
- General anesthesia to ensure a safe and painless dental procedure; fully monitored and attended by anesthesia staff.
- Thorough dental cleaning, scaling (above and below the gum line) and polishing for dogs and cats.
- Periodontal deep cleanings (root planing).
- Full Mouth Digital Dental Radiographs
- Extraction of diseased or problem teeth as needed.
- Care & dental charting of dental condition grades I-IV.
- Client education & home care instructions.
Importance of Dental Radiographs
Digital dental X-rays are one of the best ways we can get a closer look at your pet’s oral health. They allow our veterinarians to see what’s happening below the gum line, including the teeth, roots, and surrounding jawbone—areas we simply can’t fully evaluate during a regular visual exam.
Why They Matter
- Finding problems we can’t see on the surface: More than half of a pet’s tooth is hidden beneath the gums. Dental X-rays help us spot concerns such as bone loss, tooth root abscesses, fractures, cysts, and tooth resorption that may not be visible during an exam.
- Helping us choose the right treatment: X-rays give our veterinary team a clearer picture of each tooth’s health, so we can decide whether a tooth can be treated or whether an extraction is the safest, most comfortable option for your pet.
- Making the process safer and more efficient: Digital X-rays use much less radiation than older film methods and provide clear images within seconds. That means we can work more efficiently and help reduce the amount of time your pet spends under anesthesia.
Dental Care at Home
At home oral hygiene requires owners to remove plaque daily from tooth surfaces and gingival pockets before it mineralizes into calculus, a process that occurs within days of a teeth cleaning. Success depends on the gradual training, as well as the dog or cat’s acceptance of the process. Daily brushing will noticeably increase the time needed between dental procedures. All dentist advice people brush their teeth several times daily – why not our pets?
Other Tips:
- Choose the right toothbrush for your pet
- Don’t share toothbrushes between pets
- Use pet toothpaste specially formulated for pets
- Introduce the tooth brush slowly
- Some diets assist in dental health, but the only way to ensure your pet’s teeth are clean below the gums is daily brushing.