Pet Dental Care
Proper dental hygiene is critical to your pet’s overall health. At Main Street Animal Hospital, we offer a full range of pet dental services designed to prevent disease and help ensure your companion lives a long, healthy life.
Animal Oral Hygiene – Preventative Care
The easiest way to make sure your dog or cat is healthy is by scheduling regular dental screenings with our Amelia veterinarian, Dr. Melanie Wood. During this appointment, a routine teeth cleaning procedure will be done to help eliminate any excess plaque, improve your pet’s breath and ensure the teeth are in good condition.
Regular dental cleanings for dogs and cats are usually painless and simple. However, some pets that are a little more sensitive to having their mouths handled may need to be put under anesthesia for the process. During the procedure, one of our trained team members will scrape away any plaque buildup and then polish the teeth for a smooth surface. This process is nearly identical to the yearly appointment you probably already keep for yourself at your family dentist!
Over two-thirds of all American cats and dogs past the age of three have some sort of dental issue. As they age, this can turn into a serious situation that affects the overall health of the animal through infections, disease or much worse. In some cases, dental issues may even prevent a senior pet from eating or drinking. By keeping these regular checkup appointments, you can help ensure that any problems are caught early. Furthermore, our Amelia veterinary team can assist you in learning how to brush your pet’s teeth at home for even further preventative care.
Symptoms of a Pet Dental Issue
An animal that is experiencing a dental problem will usually show symptoms similar to what you would expect in a human. Swollen gums, bad breath and a reduction in appetite are all common signs of ill oral health. In addition, pets who refuse hard foods or toys should be seen immediately, as this could be an indicator of an oral health issue.
In some pets, an ordinary exam may not be enough to determine what the issue entails. In this case, a radiograph may be needed to see what is happening beneath the gum line at the root of the tooth. Radiographs allow veterinarians to more accurately diagnose your pet’s dental issues by examining an X-ray. Often, this can determine whether or not there is an infection, tumor, or even the need for an extraction. This then allows for a complete treatment plan to be created for your pet.
Dr. Wood and our dental team provide a full range of emergency dental procedures for broken or damaged teeth, such as extractions and root canals. Other necessary oral procedures are sometimes warranted, including tumor removals and specialized surgeries.
Whether your pet needs a routine examination or advanced care, Dr. Melanie Wood and our team are happy to help. Contact us today for more information on animal oral hygiene, radiographs or to schedule a pet dental appointment!