Veterinary Dentistry for Cats & Dogs
While routine dental care is an essential aspect of cats' and dogs' oral and general health, most pets don't get the oral hygiene care they need to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
At our veterinary hospital in Villa Rica, we offer complete dental care for your pet, from basics such as dental exams, teeth cleanings, and polishing, to dental X-rays and surgeries.
We are also passionate about providing dental health education to pet owners about home dental care for their pets.
Dental Surgery in Villa Rica
We understand that learning that your pet needs dental surgery can be alarming. We strive to make this process as stress-free as possible, for both you and your furry best friend.
We'll do everything in our power to ensure your pet's comfort during their time with us. We'll explain each step of the process to you in detail before the procedure, including preparation and post-operative care requirements.
We offer gum disease treatment, tooth extractions, and jaw fracture repair surgeries for dogs and cats.
Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams
Just like you go to the dentist for an annual checkup, your cat or dog should see us at least once a year for a dental examination. Pets who are more vulnerable to dental issues may need to come in for more frequent visits.
Our vets at Villa Rica Animal Hospital can assess, diagnose and treat dental health problems in cats and dogs.
- Symptoms
If you notice any of the following symptoms in your pet, it's time for a dental checkup.
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Discolored teeth
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Bad breath
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Tartar buildup
- Abnormal chewing, drooling or dropping food from the mouth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Assessment
A thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment will be completed for your pet before the 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 under anesthesia, we will conduct a complete oral examination (tooth by tooth) and charting.
- Treatment
Next, the teeth are cleaned and polished (including under the gum line) and X-rays are taken. We then apply a fluoride treatment to each tooth.
The final step is to apply a dental sealant to prevent plaque from attaching to the enamel. If advanced periodontal disease is found, the veterinarian will develop a treatment plan and discuss it with you.
- Prevention
Ideally, a follow-up examination will be scheduled two weeks after the initial assessment and treatment appointment.
During this visit, we will discuss implementing teeth brushing at home. We can also recommend products that can help improve your pet's oral health.
FAQs About Pet Dental Care
These are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from our clients about pet dental care.
- Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
Our pets can develop tooth decay or periodontal disease due to poor oral health.
Similar to humans, plaque sticks to animals' teeth when they eat and can build up into tartar if not regularly brushed away.
This may lead to infections in the mouth, tooth decay, periodontal disease, and even loose or missing teeth. That's why regular dental care is key to preventing disease or pain in the gums.
- How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
Did you know behavior can point to oral health problems? If your pet is experiencing dental issues, they may paw at their mouth or teeth or stop grooming sufficiently. They may also drool (and the drool may contain blood or pus) or yawn excessively, or grind their teeth.
Other symptoms of problems with oral health include tooth discoloration, bad breath, or swollen gums. Some pets can even suffer from pain that prevents them from eating. Learn more about symptoms to the left under Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams.
- What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
Besides causing problems ranging from cavities and bad breath to severe periodontal disease, oral health issues and conditions can lead to disease in the liver, kidney, heart, and other areas throughout your pet's body.
Cysts or tumors may develop. Your pet may also not feel well in general (if you've ever had a toothache, you know how it can affect your mood!). In addition, diseases related to oral health conditions can shorten the lifespan of your pet and cause significant pain.
This is why regular dental care is so essential to animals' physical health and wellbeing.
- What happens during my pet's teeth cleaning appointment?
During your pet’s regular oral exam, the vet will examine his or her mouth and look for oral health conditions or any symptoms needing treatment.
The vet will clean tartar and other debris from your cat's or dog's teeth. If cavities, gingivitis, or other conditions need to be addressed, the vet will explain these to you and provide advice on which actions you should take.
In some cases, surgery will be needed to treat serious conditions. Your pet will be provided with anesthesia before their dental procedure to ensure they are comfortable and do not experience any pain. However, special care will be needed post-surgery.
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a dental appointment with us.
- What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
At home, you should brush your pet's teeth on a regular basis and give them dental chew toys. These will help eliminate plaque.
Do not allow them 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.
Veterinary Dentistry: Anesthesia & Your Pet's Oral Health
Since cats and dogs do not understand what is happening during dental procedures, they will often react by biting or struggling.
Similar to how dentists offer anesthesia to human patients who may be nervous or anxious, our vets in Villa Rica provide anesthesia to all patients before performing dental procedures. This results in less stress on the animals and allows us to X-ray their mouth as required.
New Patients Welcome
Villa Rica Animal Hospital is accepting new patients! Our experienced vets are passionate about the health of Villa Rica companion animals. Get in touch today to book your pet's first appointment.