Pet Dentistry

The Importance of Pet Dental Care

Pet Dental Care in Cary

As healthy as your pet may be in most respects, the mouth presents opportunities for disease and injury that you must take into account. In addition to the damage that teeth may incur from daily wear and tear, the ongoing threat of gingival and periodontal disease, oral cancer and other potential issues makes it imperative that you schedule a periodic pet dental cleaning and examination, getting any problems treated as quickly as thoroughly as possible.

Some pet dentistry needs are acute and obvious. If your pet displays clearly broken teeth, paws at its face or refuses to eat, immediate dental care may be needed. Our team can take x-rays and perform a visual inspection to determine the nature and extent of the problem; our digital radiography equipment allows for clearer, more detailed, and much faster results than ordinary film-based x-rays, while also exposing your pet to significantly less radiation. We can then perform repairs or extractions as needed to stop the pain and protect surrounding teeth from complications.

Fortunately, our veterinarians at Chatham Animal Hospital can provide pet dentistry services to help your pet enjoy many years of better dental, oral and general health. Call (919) 469-8114.

Is Dental Disease a Serious Condition?

An even more common and pervasive danger comes from periodontal disease, a form of gum and tooth supporting structure destruction experienced by some 85 percent of animals aged 3 or over. It starts when toxins produced by bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. Once below the gum line, the bacteria cause the tissues holding the teeth in place to deteriorate.

Pet teeth cleaning is therefore more than a means of keeping your pet’s breath fresh and its teeth looking nice — it is an essential wellness procedure that should be administered as part of a regular dental wellness exam. Our Cary veterinarian administers general anesthesia for pet teeth cleaning to ensure that your pet remains relaxed and still while stubborn tartar is removed both below and above the gum line.

The results include: 

  • Tooth loss
  • Abscessed jaws
  • Painful gum infections
  • Possible invasion of the major organs by harmful bacteria

The Importance of Routine Pet Dental Exams

Our comprehensive pet dentistry exams don’t stop at cleaning, however. Our Cary veterinarian will also examine your pet’s mouth closely for any signs of diseases and other issues that require treatment. Chief among these is oral cancer, a deadly ailment that progresses quickly and therefore must be diagnosed and dealt with early. Senior pets may have special needs of their own; cats, for instance, sometimes develop a painful condition called resorptive lesions as they grow older. For this reason, we may recommend more frequent dental examinations for our geriatric patients.

Cat and Dog Dental Care – FAQs from Our Veterinarians

During your pet’s annual wellness exam, our veterinarians examine your pet by taking a look at your cat or dog’s teeth and gums. Cat and dog dental care, however, goes much further than a visual inspection. Pet dentistry exists to safeguard your pet’s overall health and comfort throughout his or her life.

Pet dental care is important for the same reasons good oral hygiene is important for people. Maintaining your pets’ oral health will prevent them from encountering painful problems with their teeth and gums such as abscesses, cavities, infections, and periodontal disease. In fact, if left untreated, periodontal disease can harm your pet’s organs and, in serious cases, be fatal.

During a pet dental exam, our veterinarians look for signs of periodontal disease such as swollen or excessively red gums. We also look for excessive plaque and tartar, broken teeth, loose teeth, and signs of cavities.

It is best to begin caring for your pet’s teeth as early as possible. Our veterinarians can show you how to brush your pet’s teeth and advise you on foods and treats which are specially formulated to promote oral health.

Unlike humans, no set dental cleaning schedule exists for pets. Our veterinarians will evaluate your pet’s teeth and gums during each wellness exam to determine if a professional cleaning is necessary. Professional cleanings are required when excessive plaque and tartar have built up on your pet’s teeth. If left untreated, this could lead to periodontal disease.

Pet dental cleanings are typically performed under anesthesia for the safety and well-being of your pet. This ensures our veterinarians can safely clean teeth and gums and handle any necessary tooth extractions while pets remain calm during the procedure. We only administer anesthesia with the pet owner’s approval on pets deemed healthy enough to undergo the procedure.

Some signs you might notice in your pet if he or she has a dental problem include bad breath, loose or broken teeth, discoloration, excessive drooling, abnormal chewing, reduced appetite, and oral bleeding.

Our Chatham Animal Hospital veterinarians are committed to keeping your pets healthy for life. If you notice any signs or symptoms of a potential problem in your pet, we strongly encourage you to schedule an appointment with an expert in pet dentistry in Cary.

Contact our office at (919) 469-8114 or through our online form today!