Tooth decay and gum disease are the primary threats to pet dental health. Tartar build up may lead to ulcers, abscesses, or tooth decay. Gingivitis, broken teeth or exposed pulp all cause pain and discomfort for your pet. Bacteria can enter the blood stream and even cause heart problems! Fortunately, regular dental cleanings can address all of these issues and help extend the life of your pet.
Your pet's teeth will be assessed at their regular exam for any issues such as broken teeth, tartar build up, or gingivitis. Under very safe anesthesia and the doctor's supervision, our technicians use an ultrasonic scaler to remove all tartar from your pet's teeth before polishing. Dr. Dibbern performs all extractions or other surgical care.
The youngest and oldest animals may have special dental needs. Puppies and kittens, for instance, may have difficulty expelling their "baby teeth," which can interfere with the health of permanent teeth that grow in alongside them. Elderly pets require an increasing amount of dental attention as the tooth surfaces wear down and individual teeth become damaged or diseased. Cats in particular can also develop a thinning of the enamel in certain spots, a painful condition referred to as feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions. These issues, coupled with a general tendency for older pets to suffer from health complications, prompts us to increase these pets' dental care schedule to two checkups and teeth cleaning sessions per year. We can also recommend prescription foods or other methods to help prevent or slow the accumulation of tartar.