Cat & Dog Dental Care
It's essential for dogs and cats to get a certain level of regular dental care because it helps them maintain optimal oral and overall health, however, many pets aren't getting the level of oral hygiene care they need to keep their gums and teeth healthy.
At our Grass Valley veterinary hospital, we provide complete dental care for your pet, from basics such as dental exams, teeth cleanings, and polishing, to dental x-rays and surgeries.
We also make a point of providing dental health education to pet owners about home dental care for their pets.
Pet Dental Surgery in Grass Valley
We recognize that it can be hard to learn that your beloved cat or dog requires dental surgery. Our veterinary team does their best to make the process as easy as possible for both you and your furry companion.
Our vets are dedicated to making sure your pet's experience with us is as stress-free and comfortable as possible. They will break down every step of the process to you in detail prior to the procedure, such as the requirements for preparation and post-operative care.
The dental surgeries we offer for cats and dogs include jaw fracture repair surgeries, tooth extractions, and gum disease treatment.
Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams
Similar to your yearly visits to the dentist your dog or cat should see their vet for a dental checkup and cleaning at least once annually. If your pet is more prone to dental problems they might have to visit us more regularly.
At Grass Valley Veterinary Hospital we are able to evaluate, diagnose and treat your cat or dog's dental health condition.
- Symptoms
If you see any of the symptoms below in your pet you will need to bring them in for a dental checkup.
- Bad breath
- Tartar buildup
- Discolored teeth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Abnormal chewing, drooling or dropping food from the mouth
- Assessment
Your vet will complete a thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment of your pet prior to their dental examination.
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.
After we have your pet comfortable under anesthesia, we'll implement a comprehensive oral examination (tooth by tooth) and charting.
- Treatment
Then we clean and polish their teeth (including under the gum line) as well as take X-rays. We then apply a fluoride treatment to each tooth.
The last step of the process is to apply a dental sealant in order to prevent plaque from attaching to the enamel. If your veterinary dentist finds advanced periodontal disease, they will develop a treatment plan and explain it to you.
- Prevention
We recommend scheduling, a follow-up assessment for two weeks after the initial examination and treatment appointment.
At this visit, we will talk about implementing teeth brushing at home. We might also suggest products that could help improve your cat or dog's oral health.
FAQs About Cat & Dog Dental Care
Below we have listed a few of the most frequently questions that our patients ask about the pet dental care services we offer at Grass Valley Veterinary Hospital.
- Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
Just like people cats and dogs can develop periodontal disease or tooth decay as a result of poor oral health.
When our pets eat, plaque sticks to their teeth and can build up into tartar if it's not brushed away routinely.
This could cause tooth decay, infections in the mouth, periodontal disease, and possibly even loose or missing teeth. This makes dental care an essential part of preventing pain or disease in the gums.
- How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
Did you know your pet's behavior could be a sign of oral health problems? If your cat or dog is suffering from a dental problem, they could drool excessively (the drool might contain pus or blood), or you may see them pawing at their teeth or mouth. They could also yawn excessively, stop grooming sufficiently or grind their teeth.
Other signs of oral health problems include bad breath, swollen gums, and tooth discoloration. Some pets might even experience pain that keeps them from eating. Learn more about the symptoms of dental health conditions to the left under Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams.
- What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
Other than causing problems such as cavities, bad breath, and severe periodontal disease, oral health issues and conditions could cause disease in the liver, kidney, heart, and other areas of your pet's body.
Cysts or tumors might arise. Your cat or dog might also not feel well in general. On top of this, diseases related to oral health conditions can shorten the lifespan of your pet and cause them a great deal of pain.
This makes regular dental care a critical part of your cat or dog's physical health and wellbeing.
- What happens during a pet's teeth cleaning appointment?
At your cat or dog's routine oral examination, your veterinary dentist will examine your pet's mouth and look for oral health conditions or any symptoms that require treatment.
Your vet will clean the tartar and other debris from your pet's teeth. If cavities, gingivitis, or another condition has to be addressed, your vet will explain it to you and give you advice on the actions you should take.
Sometimes, surgery will be needed to treat serious conditions. Your pet will be given anesthesia before their procedure to make sure that they are comfortable and don't experience any pain. But, they will require special care after their surgery.
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a dental appointment with us.
- What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
At home, you should brush your pet's teeth on a routine basis and give them dental chew toys to help eliminate plaque.
Don't let your pet chew on things that could damage their teeth, such as bones, toys, or objects that are too hard. Always call your vet with any questions or concerns regarding your pet's oral health.
Veterinary Dentistry: Anesthesia & Your Pet's Oral Health
Cats and dogs don't know what is happening during dental procedures, and they often respond to dental procedures by biting or struggling.
Just like the anesthesia dentists give their nervous or anxious patients, our Grass Valley vets provide anesthesia to all of our furry patients before conducting dental procedures. This puts less stress on your pet and lets us X-ray their mouth as needed.
New Patients Welcome
Grass Valley Veterinary Hospital is accepting new patients! Our experienced vets are passionate about caring for pets in the Grass Valley area. Contact us today to book your pet's first appointment.