We strive to provide a relaxed experience for you and your pet. Pets love to curl up on our cushy chairs! Our modern veterinary dental surgery suite appears similar to a dental office that you and your family would visit. We use much of the same equipment including high-speed dental units, digital dental radiography units, and leading edge anesthesia monitoring and delivery equipment.

Periodontal (gum) disease is a progressive disease of the supporting tissues surrounding teeth and the main cause of early tooth loss. Periodonal disease starts when bacteria combines with food particles to form plaque on the teeth. Within days, minerals in the saliva bond with the plaque to form tartar, a hard substance that adheres to the teeth. The bacteria then work their way under the gums and cause gingivitis — inflammation of the gums. Once under the gums, the bacteria destroy the supporting tissue around the tooth, leading to tooth loss. This condition is known as periodontitis. Gingivitis and periodontitis make up the changes that are referred to as periodontal disease. The bacteria associated with periodontal disease can also travel in the bloodstream to infect the heart, kidneys, and liver.

By some estimates, 85 percent of all pets have some level of periodontal disease by the time they are 3 years of age.

A dental cleaning may include the following: • Removal of visible plaque and tartar from the teeth • Elimination of plaque and tartar from under the gum • Probing of dental sockets to assess dental disease • Polishing to smooth enamel scratches that may attract bacteria • Dental radiographs (X-rays) to evaluate problems below the gumline • Application of fluoride or a dental sealer • Removal or repair of fractured or infected teeth • Dental charting so progression of dental disease can be monitored over time • Inspection of the lips, tongue, and entire mouth for growths, wounds, or other problems

Once a dental cleaning has been performed, you can take a number of steps at home to keep your pet’s teeth clean. Your veterinarian may recommend a plaque prevention product — a substance that you apply to your pet’s teeth and gums on a weekly basis. The product adheres to the teeth surface to create a barrier that prevents plaque from forming. Just as in people, daily brushing can help remove food particles from between your pet’s teeth. You can use a child’s toothbrush or purchase a finger brush from your veterinarian. Certain diets and treats can also help keep plaque and tartar to a minimum. The diets tend to have larger kibbles to provide abrasive action against the tooth surface when chewed. Or they may contain ingredients that help prevent tartar mineralization.

Although anesthesia will always have risks, it’s safer now than ever and continues to improve so that the risks are very low and are far outweighed by the benefits. Most pets can go home on the day of the procedure, although they might seem a little groggy for the rest of the day.