Dental Care for Cats & Dogs in Hermitage
Routine dental care is essential for the oral and overall health of cats and dogs, but most pets do not receive the oral hygiene care they require to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
We provide complete dental care for your pet at our Hermitage veterinary hospital, from basic dental exams, teeth cleanings, and polishing to dental X-rays and surgeries.
We also make it a point to educate pet owners about how to care for their pets' teeth at home.
Pet Dental Surgery in Hermitage
We understand how stressful it can be to learn that your pet requires dental surgery. We work hard to make this process as stress-free as possible for both you and your pet.
We'll do everything possible to make your pet's stay with us enjoyable and stress-free. Before the procedure, we'll go over each step in detail with you, including pre- and post-operative care requirements.
For dogs and cats, we perform jaw fracture repair surgeries, tooth extractions, and gum disease treatment.
Pet Teeth Cleaning & Dental Exams in Hermitage
Like you, your dog or cat should have a dental exam at least once a year. Those pets prone to dental issues may require more frequent visits.
Hermitage Animal Clinic can treat dental issues in cats and dogs.
- Symptoms
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 or dropping food from the mouth
- Discolored teeth
- Assessment
Before the dental exam, your pet will undergo a thorough pre-anesthetic physical 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.
Once your pet is sedated, we will perform a thorough oral examination (tooth by tooth) and charting.
- Treatment
After cleaning and polishing the teeth (including beneath the gum line), X-rays are taken. Each tooth is then treated with fluoride.
Finally, a dental sealant is applied to prevent plaque from adhering to the enamel. If advanced periodontal disease is discovered, the veterinarian will develop and discuss a treatment plan with you.
- Prevention
A follow-up appointment should be made two weeks after the initial assessment and treatment.
We will discuss tooth brushing at home during this visit. We can also suggest products to help your pet's oral health.
FAQs About Pet Dental Care
Here are some of our patients' most frequently asked questions about pet dental care.
- Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
Poor oral health can lead to periodontal disease or tooth decay in our pets.
When animals eat, plaque adheres to their teeth, and if not brushed away on a regular basis, it can harden into tartar.
This can result in oral infections, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and even loose or missing teeth. That is why regular dental care is critical for preventing gum pain and disease.
- How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
Did you know that behavior can be a sign of oral health issues? If your pet has dental problems, you may notice them drooling excessively (and the drool may contain pus or blood) or pawing at their mouth or teeth. Additionally, they may yawn excessively, grind their teeth, or cease grooming adequately.
Additionally, bad breath, swollen gums, and tooth discoloration are signs of oral health problems.
Certain pets may even experience pain that prevents them from eating. To the left, under Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams, you can read more about the symptoms.
- What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
Oral health issues and conditions can cause disease in the liver, kidney, heart, and other organs of your pet's body.
Cysts or tumors can form. If your pet has a toothache, you know how it can affect your mood! Oral diseases can also shorten your pet's lifespan and cause significant pain.
That's why regular dental care is vital to your pet's health.
- What happens during pet teeth cleaning appointments?
During your pet's routine oral exam, our Hermitage veterinarian will examine his or her mouth for any oral health issues or symptoms that require treatment.
Tartar and other debris will be removed from your cat's or dog's teeth by the veterinarian. If cavities, gingivitis, or other issues need to be addressed, the veterinarian will explain them to you and advise you on how to proceed.
Surgery will be required in some cases to treat serious conditions. Before their dental procedure, your pet will be given anesthesia to ensure that they are comfortable and pain-free. However, special attention will be required following surgery.
Make an appointment with us if you notice any of these symptoms.
- What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
Brushing your pet's teeth and providing dental chew toys should be done on a regular basis at home. These will aid in the removal of plaque.
Do not allow them to chew on things that will harm their teeth, such as bones, toys, or hard objects. If you have any questions or concerns about your pet's oral health, always contact your veterinarian.
Veterinary Dentistry: Anesthesia & Your Pet's Oral Health
Cats and dogs have no concept of what is occurring during dental procedures and frequently react by struggling or biting.
Our Hermitage vets provide anesthesia to all patients before performing dental procedures, just like dentists do. X-raying their mouth as needed reduces stress on the animals.