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Dentistry
Approximately
80% of dogs and 70% of cats over the age of 3 have some
form of dental disease.
Soft plaque forms on the teeth which
hardens and creates hard tartar. As tartar continues
to build on the teeth, the gums become irritated and
inflamed. The gum inflammation is called gingivitis
which, in turn, can lead to periodontal disease.
This can cause bleeding gums, tooth loss, and even impair
heart and kidney function.
Some signs there might be
a dental problem are:
- Bad breath
- Red gums
- Abnormal salivation
- Pawing at the face
- Bleeding from the
mouth
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- Appetite loss
- Dropping food while
eating
- Behavioral changes
- Facial swelling
- Sneezing or nasal
discharge
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Sometimes there are no obvious signs
of a problem so it is important to have your pet’s teeth
checked regularly by your veterinarian.
Even with regular brushing it is
recommended you have your pet’s teeth professionally
cleaned and polished periodically.
What can you expect at a dental appointment?
- An exam
- Pre-operative blood work
to check organ function before anesthesia.
- An IV catheter is placed
and IV fluids are started to support pet during
sedation.
- Teeth are thoroughly cleaned
with an ultrasonic scaler to remove any tartar and
plaque.
- Teeth are polished to remove
any microscopic scratches.
- A periodontal probe is used
to check for any pockets around teeth where further
treatment is necessary.
- Digital dental x-rays are
taken as needed to check for infection around roots
of teeth.
- Teeth are charted to note
any missing teeth or where any problems might be.
- Teeth that are loose, infected
or broken may require surgical extraction.
- Fluoride may be applied to
strengthen teeth to help minimize future problems.
- Your pet’s blood pressure,
pulse, temperature and oxygen level is monitored
throughout the entire procedure.
- Pain management is used as
needed.
After you take your pet home it is
important to continue dental care to ensure a happy
and healthy mouth. There are several products
on the market to help you manage your pet’s dental care.
Talk to your veterinarian or technician to find out
which ones are right for you.
Remember,
it’s good to chew, better to rinse and best to brush!!
Stages of Periodontal Disease
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