Dental Procedures
Wexford Veterinary Hospital offers routine dental cleanings as well as periodontal care and extractions if necessary. By three years of age, most dogs and cats have some evidence of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease starts with bacteria in the mouth leading to plaque and calculus formation on the surface of the teeth. Plaque and tartar harbor layers of bacteria that not only cause gum infection and bad breath, but can also have negative effects on other body systems, such as the heart and the kidneys.
Periodontal disease is also one of the many causes of oral pain in pets. Sources of dental pain range from periodontal disease, tooth resorption & fracture, stomatitis, oral masses, even oral trauma…
Remember, just because your pet may not be showing obvious signs of discomfort does not mean that they are not feeling pain! They cannot tell you how they are feeling, and they hide their pain extremely well as a natural protective instinct. This is why annual check-ups including an oral examination are important for the health and quality of life of your pet!
Aside from bad breath or halitosis, here are some other signs of dental disease or oral pain that your pet may exhibit:
– Loose teeth, teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar
– Your pet shies away from you when you touch the mouth area
– Drooling or dropping food from the mouth (especially hard kibble)
– Your pet preferentially chews on only one side of his/her mouth
– Bleeding from the mouth or gums
– Loss of appetite or loss of weight
In addition to professional dental care, please feel free to ask one of our staff members about ways to improve and maintain your pet’s dental health at home. We have many suggestions including, but not limited to, a line of veterinary oral health products, foods, and chews. Please also check out the list of approved veterinary dental health products through the Veterinary Oral Health Council website here: http://www.vohc.org/accepted_products.htm.
*In order to safely, and effectively, perform your pet’s dental procedure, it is essential that your pet be placed under general anesthesia. We know that many people have questions regarding the safety of anesthesia and we would be happy to address these questions and concerns for you. Appropriately administered general anesthesia generally carries a low risk for otherwise healthy patients.
**We require that all patients receive a thorough physical exam and general bloodwork prior to their dental procedure. We use modern anesthetic medications and monitoring systems to ensure the utmost safety for your pet!
Keep your pet’s smile healthy, white, and bright with regular dental check-ups and care!
