Comprehensive Dental Care for Cats & Dogs
Routine dental care is a critical component of oral and overall health for our pets, but most of our furry friends don't get the oral hygiene care they need to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
At our Westfield veterinary hospital, Dr. Momi provides complete dental care for your pet, from basics like dental exams, teeth cleanings, and polishing to dental X-rays and surgeries such as tooth extraction, and gum disease treatment.
Our team also takes the time to educate pet parents, so they know how to care for their dog or cat's teeth at home and maintain good dental health between visits.
Feeling Anxious About Your Pet's Upcoming Surgery?
We understand that finding out that your pet needs dental surgery can be overwhelming. We strive to make this process as stress-free as possible for both you and your pet.
We'll do everything we can to ensure your pet's experience with us is comfortable and easy. We'll explain each step of the process to you in detail before the procedure, including preparation and post-operative care requirements, so you know what to expect each step of the way.
Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams
Much like your annual checkup at the dentist, your dog or cat should come in for a dental examination at least once a year. Pets who are more prone to dental problems than others may need to see us more often.
Westfield 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.
- Tartar buildup
- Bad breath
- Discolored teeth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Assessment
We will perform a thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment on your pet before the dental exam.
Our team will do blood and urine analyses to help ensure it's safe for your pet to undergo anesthesia. We may also perform additional diagnostics, such as chest radiographs.
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 (even 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 we find advanced periodontal disease, the veterinarian will develop a treatment plan and discuss it with you.
- Prevention
Ideally, we will schedule a follow-up examination two weeks after the initial assessment and treatment appointment.
We will discuss implementing at-home teeth brushing and recommend products to help you provide your cat or dog with the dental care they need to maintain good oral health.
FAQs About Pet Dental Care
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from our clients about pet dental care.
- Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
Poor oral health can lead to periodontal disease or tooth decay in pets, just like it can in people.
When dogs and cats eat, plaque can stick to their teeth and develop into tartar if not brushed away regularly.
This can lead to infections, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and even loose or missing teeth. Routine dental care is essential for preventing pain and gum disease in pets.
- How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
Did you know that your furry friend's behavior can be an indication of oral health problems? If your dog or cat is experiencing dental problems, they might begin to drool excessively (and the drool may contain pus or blood), or you may notice them pawing at their mouth or teeth, yawning excessively, grinding their teeth, or neglecting grooming.
Other signs of oral health problems include bad breath, swollen gums, and tooth discoloration. Some pets may even suffer from pain that keeps them from eating.
- 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.
That is why regular dental care is essential to your four-legged friend's physical health and well-being.
- What happens during a pet teeth cleaning appointment?
During your pet’s regular oral exam, the vet will examine their mouth and look for oral health conditions or symptoms that need treatment.
Your pet will receive anesthesia before the dental procedure to keep them comfortable and prevent pain. Your veterinarian and veterinary technician will remove tartar and other debris from your pet's teeth.
If cavities, gingivitis, or other conditions need to be addressed, your vet will explain what issues they have found and advise you on recommended treatment. In some cases, surgery will be needed to treat serious conditions. If surgery or extractions are needed, we will walk you through the process and post-surgery care.
- What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
At-home dental health care for your pet should include regular brushing (your vet can teach you how), as well as healthy dental chews and treats to help eliminate plaque.
Do not allow your pet 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
Cats and dogs aren't able to understand what's happening during dental procedures and often react by struggling or biting. Which is why anesthesia is an essential part of pet dental appointments.
Much like the anesthesia provided to nervous or anxious people visiting their dentist, our Westfield vets provide anesthesia to all four-legged patients before dental procedures. This reduces stress on the pet and allows us to take X-rays and provide dental care.
