Did you know that 78% of dogs are diagnosed with dental disease by their third birthday? Pet parents spend time caring for their teeth, including daily brushing and regular visits to the dentist. The same dedication pet parents have to their oral hygiene should be the same for their pets. This includes at-home care, professional cleaning and dental exams.
If I take care of my pet’s teeth, why do they still need a dental exam?
Though at-home care like regular brushing is an essential part of your pet’s dental regimen, dental exams are also crucial. During a dental exam, we examine their teeth and gums to determine early signs of dental disease. These signs include bleeding, swelling, tartar buildup, broken or loose teeth and pain around the mouth. This dental exam helps guide our recommendations about your pet’s dental health, including a professional scale (cleaning), polish, dental extractions, and digital dental X-rays. We also do demonstrations on the type of dental care your pet should be receiving at home, including brushing, water additives, dental diets and dental chews.
What can I expect during a professional dental cleaning?
Without professional cleaning, tartar and plaque buildup below the gum line can cause infections and, in severe cases, irreversible damage to the jaw bone and its connective tissue. We administer anesthesia before our dental procedures to ensure your pet’s comfort and safety. If you have questions about your pet’s dental care, please contact us at 519-661-0496. Here’s what to expect the morning you bring your pet into their scheduled dental cleaning:
- We administer anesthesia with IV fluids, and our registered veterinary technicians monitor them during the appointment
- We take dental digital X-rays
- We use a high-speed dental machine to scale (clean) and polish their teeth
- We extract teeth (if necessary) and use laser therapy afterward to manage pain
- We review the procedure with you when you pick up your pet
- We discuss options for at-home care and book a follow-up exam
