Dental disease is the most common health problem of pets. In fact, 85-90 % of all dogs and cats over six years of age have periodontal (gum) disease. Fortunately, most dental problems can be prevented or, if they do develop, we can treat them effectively.

WHAT CAUSES DENTAL DISEASE?
Most dental diseases in pets (and people) start with deposits of plaque (an accumulation of food material, saliva and bacteria) building up on the teeth. As the plaque hardens it turns into a substance called tartar. This becomes a breeding ground for harmful bacteria that infect the gums (gingivitis) and the membrane lining the tooth socket (periodontitis).

WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE IF MY PET HAS DIRTY TEETH?
Dirty teeth and bad breath are not the real problems. Infected teeth and gums are the easiest places for infection to get into the body. One of the leading causes of death in dogs and cats is kidney disease and one of the leading causes of kidney and heart valve disease is chronic gum infection. Dental disease causes pain, abscesses, tooth loss and early death.

HOW DO YOU CLEAN MY PET’S TEETH?
The procedure itself is similar to what we have done when we go to our dentist, but since pets are not as cooperative as people, anesthesia is used.

First, plaque and tartar are removed with an ultrasonic scaling device and hand instruments. The teeth and gums are then examined for any problems and any damaged or infected teeth that cannot be treated are extracted. Finally, the teeth are polished to slow future plaque accumulation and sealant is applied. In some cases your pet may be placed on antibiotics.

WHAT IF MY PET NEEDS EXTRACTIONS?
We always hope that extractions are not necessary, but frequently teeth are so infected that there is no way to save them. Often the need for extraction cannot be determined until the teeth have been cleaned.

Once the supportive structures of the tooth have been destroyed by infection, the tooth is beyond saving. We can wait until it eventually falls out, exposing our pet to constant discomfort and ongoing infection, or we can eliminate the problem quickly and painlessly with extraction. Rest assured that we never extract healthy teeth.

ISN'T IT RISKY TO DO AN ANESTHETIC PROCEDURE JUST TO CLEAN TEETH?
Today's anesthetics are extremely safe. Our laboratory is equipped to run preanesthetic blood chemistries and an ECG within a matter of minutes and this improves the safety factor even more. Also, we use the latest in electronic equipment to monitor your pet's ECG and respiration throughout the procedure. The risk of life-threatening disease such as endocarditis (heart valve infection) or kidney disease is far greater than any anesthetic risk.

WHAT DO I DO WHEN MY PET COMES HOME?
Recovery is very uneventful. You may notice some lethargy the first evening. We will send instructions about feeding and exercise. We will also send information on home dental care. Several home treatments are available that dramatically reduce plaque buildup. We will demonstrate how to brush your pet’s teeth and apply dental sealants.