Dental Care
Your pet's dental health is extremely important! Veterinary dental care is about more than just preventing "doggy breath" - regular dental care can help prevent serious diseases and infections. Routine dental cleanings are a vital part of your pet's preventive health care plan.
Your pet has access to the latest veterinary dental technology at our clinic. We use digital dental x-ray equipment in order to better diagnose dental conditions. At Bigger Road Veterinary Clinic, we perform an extensive array of dental procedures, including:
- Diagnosis and cleaning
- Digital dental radiology
- Crown reductions for malocclusion treatment
- Oral mass and cancer treatment
- Crown placement
- Medical orthodontic treatment
- Oral surgery
- Surgical extractions
- Root canals
- Restorations
- Mandibular fracture repair
- Crown reductions
Why Dental Care Is Important
Plaque and tartar build-up on your pet's teeth can lead to gingivitis. Reddened, bleeding gums, difficulty chewing and bad breath are all signs of gingivitis. Gingivitis can cause periodontal disease, a bacterial infection that, if left untreated, can potentially damage your pet's kidneys, heart and other organs. Regular dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar and prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease.
What Happens During A Cleaning
Your pet's dental cleaning is far different than the same procedure you undergo each year at your dentist's office. Because anesthesia is required to keep your pet safe and still during the cleaning, we perform a thorough physical exam and a series of blood tests to ensure that your pet is healthy enough for this procedure. These tests also help us develop an anesthetic protocol that is specific for your pet.
Once anesthesia is administered, the cleaning begins. We use modern and safe ultrasonic equipment to clean each tooth thoroughly, both above and below the gum line. Our specially trained dental technicians polish you pet's teeth, which creates a smooth, lustrous surface that is more resistant to plaque build-up. Finally, a fluoride treatment is used to help strengthen the enamel and reduce tooth sensitivity.
Dental Care At Home
Following the cleaning, your pet is provided with a bag of dog or cat food (compliments of IAMS), along with a toothbrush and toothpaste sample that you can use at home! Our staff can show you how to brush your pet's teeth at home. This is an excellent way to prevent plaque and tartar build-up, promote good oral hygiene and, most of all, bond with your pet.