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Bright Smiles for Your Furry Friends
As pet owners, we all want our furry friends to live long and healthy lives. However, many pet owners overlook the importance of pet dental care. Just like humans, pets can develop dental problems that can lead to serious health issues if left untreated. We will discuss the importance of pet dental care and the best ways to keep your pet’s teeth clean and healthy. At our Dwight, IL veterinary clinic, we are here to make sure the pets of Livingston County & Grundy County have happy and healthy teeth!
Dental Examination
Just like humans, pets should have regular dental examinations to check for any signs of dental disease. We will examine your pet’s teeth, gums, and mouth for any abnormalities. We may recommend a professional dental cleaning if we notice any plaque or tartar buildup. It is recommended to have your pet’s teeth examined at least once a year, but more frequent examinations may be necessary for pets with existing dental issues.
Signs of Dental Disease
It is essential to be aware of the signs of dental disease in pets so that you can seek treatment as soon as possible. Some common signs of dental disease in pets include:
Bad breath
Difficulty eating
Drooling
Red or swollen gums
If you notice any of these signs, it is crucial to schedule a dental examination with your veterinarian.
Dental Radiography
Complete dental health cannot be assessed or diagnosed with dental radiography. Over half of your companion’s teeth are below the gum line. For this reason, dental radiography is absolutely essential! Many painful oral conditions are left unseen such as foreign objects lodged in the gums, jaw and tooth fractures, abnormal roots, tumors, stomatitis, cysts, and abnormal, mal-positioned, missing, or dead teeth.
We also utilize dental x-rays during dental procedures and afterward when evaluating procedural success.
Pet Dental Cleaning
Dental cleanings do far more than keep your pet’s teeth white and sparkling! Regular dental cleanings prevent painful oral conditions such as periodontal disease, gingivitis, and bacterial infections. Poor dental health allows bacteria to accumulate and potentially spread to vital bodily systems, which may lead to serious conditions such as heart and kidney failure, liver damage, and a weak immune system.
General anesthesia is required for all dental cleanings. This is for your pet’s own comfort and safety! Pre-surgical bloodwork is highly recommended to ensure your pet can handle the effects of anesthesia. At Dwight Veterinary Clinic, we understand that any procedure can be stressful. We assure you that your pet is in good hands. Our highly-trained team of veterinary professionals of Livingston County and Grundy County will rigorously monitor your pet’s vitals from start to finish.
What to Expect During the Pet Dental Cleaning
Pet Dental Cleaning
A pet dental cleaning is a thorough process that involves removing plaque and tartar from your pet’s teeth, as well as addressing any other dental issues that may be present. Here’s what you can expect during a pet dental cleaning.
Anesthesia
To properly clean your pet’s teeth and perform any necessary procedures, your pet will need to be under anesthesia. This ensures their safety and allows us to thoroughly examine their mouth without causing discomfort.
Examination
Before the cleaning begins, we will perform a thorough examination of your pet’s mouth. This may include X-rays for check for any underlying issues that may not be visible on the surface.
Pet Dental Digital X-ray
Pet dental digital X-rays are a type of imaging technology that allows us to see detailed images of a pet’s teeth and jawbone. This technology uses digital sensors instead of traditional film to capture the images, making the process faster and more efficient.
There are several benefits to using pet dental digital X-rays over traditional X0rays. One of the main advantages is the speed at which the images can be taken and processed. This means less time under anesthesia for the pet, reducing the risk of complications. Additionally, digital X-rays procedure higher-quality images, making it easier for veterinarians to detect any dental issues that may be present and create a better dental cleaning treatment process for your pet.
Scaling
Once your pet is under anesthesia, we will begin the cleaning process by using a scaler to remove plaque and tartar from your pet’s teeth. This is like the process used during human dental cleanings.
Polishing
After the plaque and tartar have been removed, we will use a special toothpaste and polisher to clean and smooth the surface of your pet’s teeth. This helps prevent plaque and tartar from building up as quickly in the future.
Extractions
If your pet has any severely damaged or infected teeth, we may need to perform extractions. This is done to prevent further pain and infection and to improve your pet’s overall dental health.
Post-Cleaning Care
Once the cleaning and any necessary procedures are complete, your pet will be monitored as they wake up from anesthesia. We will provide you with instructions for at-home care, such as brushing our pet’s teeth or using dental chews to help maintain their dental health.
What to Expect After a Pet Dental Cleaning
After a dental cleaning, your pet may experience some mild discomfort or swelling in their mouth. This is normal and should subside within a few days. You may also notice that your pet’s breath is fresher, and their teeth appear cleaner and brighter.
It’s important to follow any post-cleaning care instructions provided by us to ensure your pet’s mouth heals properly and to maintain their dental health.
How to Prepare for a Pet Dental Cleaning
If your pet is scheduled for a dental cleaning, there are a few things you can do to prepare them for the procedure. These include:
- Fasting: Your pet will need to fast the evening before the cleaning to prevent any complications during anesthesia. No food after 10pm but water is okay until surgery day arrival. If you have questions or concerns regarding medications, please give us a call at 815-584-2732. A member of our surgical team is happy to consult.
- Pre-anesthetic bloodwork: We always recommend pre-anesthetic bloodwork to ensure your pet is healthy enough for the procedure.
Laser Therapy After a Pet Dental
Laser therapy can be used to treat a range of dental issues, including gum disease, toothaches, and oral infections. The laser’s light energy penetrates deep into the gums, reducing inflammation and promoting healing. This can be especially beneficial after dental procedures, such as extractions, as it can speed up the recovery process and reduce discomfort. Additionally, the laser’s light energy can stimulate the production of collagen, which is essential for healthy gum tissue.
At-Home Dental Care
Between annual dental cleanings and exams, we strongly encourage at-home dental care. Aim to brush your pet’s teeth every 1-2 days, especially after a meal. At-home dental care reduces plaque build-up and oral bacteria that may lead to more detrimental conditions.
The younger the better! The younger your pet is when you begin brushing their teeth, the easier it will be for you. If your pet is too resistant, dental treats and toys are great alternatives. Not only will your pet love their treats and toys, but plaque build-up will be removed while their gums are massaged. We can further discuss at-home dental care and recommend pet toothpaste, toothbrushes, and oral solutions, as well as treats and toys.