Dental Health Care for Dogs & Cats
Imagine what your mouth would feel like if you never brushed your teeth or went to the dentist. For many dogs and cats, this is a painful reality. Dentistry is an important part of the care of our cats or dogs.
Dental problems can result in significant pain and discomfort. Poor dental health may allow infection to spread from the mouth to other parts of the body such as the kidneys and other vital organs.
As home care is an essential part of taking care of your cat or dog's oral health, we also make a point of providing dental health education to cat or dog owners so they can help maintain their pet's oral hygiene at home. By adding regular oral care into your daily care regime, you can keep your furry friend happy and healthy.
Dental Surgery in Maple Ridge
Finding out that your companion needs dental surgery can be overwhelming. We can sympathize, which is why our team will do all we can to make this process as stress-free as possible.
Your cat or dog will be provided with anesthesia before their dental surgery to help ensure they are comfortable and do not experience any pain. We will take the time to explain each step of the process to you in detail before the procedure, including preparation and post-operative care requirements.
Teeth Cleaning & Examinations
Annual dental checkups are an important aspect of caring for your dog or cat's overall health. A dental visit will include a thorough dental examination, teeth cleaning, and polishing to remove tartar and plaque.
A dog or cat dental appointment typically involves the following:
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Pre-Anesthetic 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.
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Administering Anesthesia
Anesthesia is administered to all patients undergoing dental procedures. This allows us to do a thorough examination and cleaning as well as capture any required X-rays safely and efficiently without undue stress on your dog or cat.
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Oral Examination & Cleaning
Once your pet is under anesthesia, we will conduct a complete tooth-by-tooth oral examination and charting. Their teeth will be cleaned and polished (including under the gum line) and X-rays may be taken. We then apply a fluoride treatment to each tooth, as well as dental sealant to prevent plaque from attaching to the enamel.
If any oral health concerns are discovered, the veterinarian will develop a custom treatment plan, which may include dental surgery, and discuss it with you.
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Follow-up Exam & Home Care
Your veterinarian may recommend a follow-up examination be scheduled two weeks after the initial appointment.
During this visit, we will discuss any concerns and provide advice on at-home care for your pet's teeth.
FAQs About Dental Care For Pets
To learn more about veterinary dental care, browse through our answers to these frequently asked questions from our clients.
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Why do dogs and cats need to have their teeth cleaned?
Our furry friends can develop periodontal disease or tooth decay as a consequence of poor oral health. When dogs and cats eat, plaque sticks to their teeth and can build up into tartar if not cleaned away regularly.
Annual veterinary dental care can help prevent conditions such as periodontal disease, tooth decay, and even loose or missing teeth.
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How often does my cat or dog need their teeth cleaned?
Our veterinarians recommend that most dogs and cats have a dental checkup once a year. Those more prone to dental problems than others may require more frequent appointments.
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What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my companion?
As well as causing problems such as cavities, bad breath and periodontal disease, your dog or cat's oral health issues could lead to disease in the liver, kidney, heart, and other areas throughout your companion's body.
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What should I do at home to keep my dog or cat's teeth clean between dental appointments?
Brushing your dog or cat's teeth on a regular basis and providing dental chew toys or dental treats can help to control the buildup of plaque. Speak to your veterinarian to learn more about caring for your dog or cat's teeth between veterinary appointments.
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What dental issues may require dental surgery as treatment?
Dental health issues which may require dental surgery include: cracked or broken teeth; tooth decay; severe gum disease (periodontitis); jaw fractures; TMJ (temporomandibular joint) luxation; or dysplasia feline stomatitis.