Pet dental procedures involve professional cleaning (scaling, polishing) and potential extractions, performed under anesthesia for safety and thoroughness, including X-rays to check below the gumline for hidden disease, with home care like brushing vital for preventing issues such as bad breath, tartar, and pain, supporting overall health.
**Cat dentistry is frequently overlooked, and we can not overstate the importance of it more.** Because of this, we offer FREE mouth checks for cats. To sign up, please go to quickfixvet.com .
Dental procedures include:
- Oral Exam & Dental Charting: A thorough visual check and charting of all teeth and gums.
- Scaling: Ultrasonic and hand scaling removes plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces, including under the gumline (curettage).
- Polishing: Smooths tooth surfaces to slow future buildup.
- Dental X-rays (Radiographs): Checks tooth roots and jawbone health, as most disease is hidden.
- Extractions: Removal of severely damaged, loose, or infected teeth, which often improves eating and comfort.
Signs of Dental Problems
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Red, bleeding, or swollen gums
- Difficulty chewing or dropping food
- Pawing at the mouth
- Drooling
- Loose or missing teeth
At-Home Care
- Toothbrushing: Daily, with pet-specific toothpaste.
- Dental Diets/Chews: Special foods and treats designed to reduce plaque.
- Water Additives/Rinses: Can help control bacteria.
- Resources: www.vohc.org
Why It’s Important
- Bacteria from dental disease can spread to the heart, kidneys, and liver, affecting overall health.
- Painful conditions can be prevented, minimized, and treated if caught in time.
