Dental Health

Bad breath, discolored or loose teeth, red or swollen gums, hesitance to play with chew toys and pain when eating can all be signs of dental disease. Crowns are just the tip of the iceberg. Where there is only mild tartar or disease on the visible part of the tooth, often there is more disease or infection hidden under the gumline or at the root. These areas cannot be assessed or treated without anesthesia. Generally, cleaning the surface of the tooth is purely cosmetic and does not address the remaining “hidden” disease.

Just as in humans, there is always a small risk associated with general anesthesia. But with careful preparation and experienced diligence, we minimize this risk as much as possible. Pre-anesthetic examinations and blood tests help us to choose the right anesthetic protocol for your pet. Intravenous fluids support and stabilize the blood pressure and careful constant monitoring by a dedicated nurse during the procedure ensure a safer experience. If your pet has other chronic diseases like heart disease or other metabolic disease, we will have a thoughtful conversation about how to manage anesthesia safely in the scope of your pet’s complete health picture. Together we will discuss the small risks of general anesthesia against the serious health risks that chronic progressive dental disease can bring.

General anesthesia is necessary to perform a complete oral exam, dental x-rays and advanced interventions like extractions. Cleaning the crowns of the teeth does not always translate to healthy teeth because about half of the tooth structure is under the gum line. It is important to understand that non-anesthetic dental cleanings are essentially crown whitening procedures, not periodontal procedures.

Every pet is different. On average most adult pets need a dental cleaning every year. But you can greatly influence how often your pet needs a dental cleaning by brushing their teeth frequently. While dental chews and water additives can help, frequent brushing is the single most effective thing that an owner can do to keep their pet’s mouth clean and healthy.