Veterinary Dentistry & Dental Surgery
Comprehensive Dental Care for Cats & Dogs
Routine pet dental care is a critical component of cats' and dogs' oral and overall health, but most of pets don't get the oral hygiene care they need to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
At our Maury County veterinary hospital, we provide complete dental care for your pet, from basics such as dental exams, teeth cleanings and polishing, to dental x-rays and surgeries.
We also make a point of providing dental health education to pet owners about home dental care for their pets.
Pet Dental Surgery in Maury County
We know that discovering your pet needs dental surgery can be an overwhelming experience. We work to ensure this process is a stress-free as possible, both for you and your pet.
We will do everything we can to make sure your pet's experience with us is as comfortable as possible. We will walk you through each step of the process before the procedure. This includes preparation and post-operative care requirements.
We will offer jaw fracture repair surgeries,. gum disease treatment and tooth extractions for cats and dogs.
Cat & Dog Teeth Cleaning & Exams
Just like your own annual dental checkup, your cat or dog should come into our veterinary clinic at least once annually. Pets who are more prone to dental problems than others may need to see us more often, however.
Veterinary Wellness Clinic Of Columbia can assess, diagnose and treat dental health problems 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
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Bad breath
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
- Discolored teeth
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Assessment
A thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment will be completed for your pet before the dental exam.
We wo;; take blood and urine analyses to make sure it's safe for your pet to undergo anesthesia. Additional diagnostics, such as chest radiographs or an ECG may also be conducted.
After your pet is under the effects of anesthesia, we will conduct a tooth-by-tooth oral examinations and charting.
- Treatment
Next, the teeth are cleaned and polished (including under the gum line) and x-rays are taken. We then apply a fluoride treatment to each tooth.
The last step is the application of a dental sealant in order to prevent plaque from building up on your pet's teeth and attaching to their enamel. If our vets detect advanced periodontal disease, they will work with you to develop a treatment plan.
- Prevention
Ideally, a follow-up examination will be scheduled two weeks after the initial assessment and treatment appointment.
During this visit, we will discuss implementing teeth brushing at home. We can also recommend products that can help improve your pet's oral health.
FAQs About Pet Dental Care
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from our patients about pet dental care.
- Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
Our pets can develop tooth decay and gum disease as a result of poor health, just like people.
When animals eat, plaque sticks to their teeth and can harden into tartar if not brushed away regularly.
This can cause infections in their mouth, tooth decay, loose and missing teeth or gum disease. Because of this, regular dental care is essential to preventing pain or disease in gums.
- How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
Did you know that your pet's behavior can be an indicator of their oral health? If your pet is experiencing oral health issues, they may drool excessively or drool which contains blood or pus. You may also notice them yawn excessively, grind their teeth, cease grooming themselves properly, or paw at their mouth and teeth.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
At home, you should brush your pet's teeth on a regular basis and give them dental chew toys. These will help eliminate plaque.
Do not allow them to chew on things that will damage their teeth, such as bones, toys or objects that are too hard. Always contact your vet with any questions or concerns regarding your pet's oral health.
Veterinary Dentistry: Anesthesia & Your Pet's Oral Health
Cats and dogs do not understand what is going on during dental procedures, and will often react to dental procedures by struggling or biting.
Similar to the anesthesia provided to nervous or anxious patients by dentists, our Maury County vets provide anesthesia to all of our patients before performing dental procedures. This puts less stress on the animals and allows us to x-ray their mouth as needed.