Oral Health For Dogs & Cats
Routine dental care can help to preserve your pet's oral health, yet preventive dental care is often neglected. Lack of attention to your dog or cat's oral health could result in painful dental issues and periodontal disease.
At our Brooklyn veterinary hospital, we offer a range of dental care services for pets, from basics such as dental exams, teeth cleanings and polishing, and dental x-rays.
Our expert staff also offers surgical services in order to restore your companion's dental health and treat a wide range of issues, from tooth decay to gum disease.
Cat & Dog Teeth Cleaning & Examinations
Annual dental checkups are an important aspect of caring for your dog or cat's overall health. Detecting oral health issues early can help to prevent your pet from experiencing pain or discomfort due to issues such as tooth decay, broken teeth or periodontal disease.
A pet dental appointment typically involves the following:
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Pre-Anesthetic Assessment
A thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment will be completed for your pet before the dental exam.
We will take blood and urine analyses to ensure it's safe for your pet to undergo anesthesia. Additional diagnostics may also be conducted at this time as needed.
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Administering Anesthesia
Anesthesia is administered to all patients undergoing dental procedures. This allows us to do a thorough examination and cleaning as well as capture any required x-rays of your pet in a safe and efficient way.
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Oral Examination & Cleaning
Once your pet is under anesthesia, we will conduct a complete, tooth-by-tooth, oral examination and charting. Their teeth will be cleaned and polished (including under the gum line) and x-rays may be taken. At this point, we will then apply a fluoride treatment to each tooth, as well as dental sealant to prevent plaque from attaching to the enamel. This will help provide a layer of protection for your pet.
If any oral health concerns are discovered, the veterinarian will develop a custom treatment plan, which may include dental surgery, and discuss it with you.
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Follow-up Exam & Home Care
Your veterinarian will most likely schedule a follow-up visit for your pet. This will be done approximately 2 weeks after the initial visit.
During this appointment, we will discuss any concerns and provide advice on at-home care for your pet's teeth.
Dental Surgery for Dogs & Cats
Our Brooklyn veterinarians perform dental surgery for cats and dogs when required, including jaw fracture repair surgeries, tooth extractions, and treatment for periodontal disease.
Our team understands that it can be overwhelming to learn that your pet requires dental surgery. We will do all we can to make this process as stress-free as possible, for you and for your dog or cat.
Your pet will be provided with anesthesia before their dental surgery to ensure they are comfortable and do not experience any pain.
We'll be sure to break down each step of the process to you in detail before the procedure, including preparation and post-operative care requirements.
Signs of Pet Dental Health Issues
If you notice any of the following symptoms in your pet, it's time for a dental checkup.
- Tartar buildup
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Bad breath
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Abnormal chewing
- Drooling
- Dropping food from the mouth
- Discolored teeth
Pet Dentistry FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from our clients about pet dental care and surgery.
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How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
Did you know behavior may be an indication of oral health problems? If your pet is experiencing dental problems, they drool excessively (and the drool may contain pus or blood), or you may notice them pawing at their mouth or teeth. They may also yawn excessively, grind their teeth, or stop grooming sufficiently.
Other signs of oral health problems include bad breath, swollen gums, and tooth discoloration. Some pets may even suffer from pain that keeps them from eating. Read more about symptoms to the left under Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams.
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What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
Besides causing problems ranging from cavities and bad breath to severe periodontal disease, oral health issues and conditions can lead to disease in the liver, kidney, heart, and other areas throughout your pet's body.
Cysts or tumors may develop. Your pet may also not feel well in general (if you've ever had a toothache, you know how it can affect your mood!). In addition, diseases related to oral health conditions can shorten the lifespan of your pet and cause significant pain.
This is why regular dental care is so essential to animals' physical health and wellbeing.
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Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
Our pets can develop periodontal disease or tooth decay as a consequence of poor oral health.
Just like in humans, when animals eat, plaque sticks to their teeth and can build up into tartar if not brushed away regularly.
This can lead to infections in the mouth, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and even loose or missing teeth. That's why regular dental care is essential to preventing pain or disease in the gums.
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What happens during a pet teeth cleaning appointment?
During your pet’s regular oral exam, the vet will examine his or her mouth and look for oral health conditions or any symptoms needing treatment.
The vet will clean tartar and other debris from your cat's or dog's teeth. If cavities, gingivitis, or other conditions need to be addressed, the vet will explain these to you and provide advice on which actions you should take.
In some cases, surgery will be needed to treat serious conditions. Your pet will be provided with anesthesia before their dental procedure to ensure they are comfortable and do not experience any pain. However, special care will be needed post-surgery.
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a dental appointment with us.
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What happens during the surgical consultation?
During the surgical consultation, our vets will perform a physical examination of your pet and conduct tests, including blood work, in order to determine the nature of their condition.
Diagnostics may include x-rays, an EKG, an ultrasound, or biopsies. Upon receiving the results, your vet will provide you with a surgical treatment plan and any recommendations they have. -
Will the surgery and consultation happen on the same day?
It varies. A consultation appointment is required for testing and examination to determine the nature of your pet’s health problem. Once any diagnostic test results have come back from our lab, we will schedule your pet's procedure. We cannot guarantee how soon this will be.
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How long will does dental surgery take?
Dental surgeries may last 2 to 4 hours on average for basic dental concerns, with some difference depending on the kind of surgery being performed and on your pet's condition.
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Does my pet have to stay at the hospital overnight either before or after the surgery?
No. Most dental surgery patients are able to go home by 6 pm on the same day. However, if the patient needs additional monitoring overnight, the pet’s owner will transport their pet to a local 24 hour emergency facility for the overnight monitoring.