Comprehensive Dental Care for Cats & Dogs
Routine dental care is critical for the oral and overall health of cats and dogs, but the majority of pets do not receive the oral hygiene care necessary to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
Our Veterinary dentists provide comprehensive dental care for your pet at our Elk Grove veterinary hospital, from routine dental exams, teeth cleanings, and polishing to dental X-rays and surgery.
Additionally, we make a point of educating pet owners about proper at-home dental care for their pets.
Dental Surgery in Elk Grove
We understand how stressful it can be to learn that your pet requires dental surgery. We strive to make this a stress-free experience for both you and your pet.
We'll do everything we can to make your pet's stay with us as pleasant and easy as possible. Before the procedure, we will go over each step of the procedure with you in detail, including the preparation and post-operative care requirements.
For dogs and cats, we provide jaw fracture repair surgeries, tooth extractions, and gum disease treatment.
Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams
Similar to your annual dentist visit, your dog or cat should have a dental examination at least once a year. Pets that are more prone to dental problems than others may require more frequent visits to our office.
Bruceville Pet Hospital is capable of evaluating, diagnosing, and treating dental health 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
Two weeks after the initial assessment and treatment appointment, a follow-up examination should be scheduled.
We'll talk about how to brush your teeth at home during this appointment. We can also make recommendations for products that will help 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?
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 throughout your pet's body, in addition to cavities and bad breath.
Cysts or tumors can form. Your pet may also be in a bad mood (if you've ever had a toothache, you know how bad it can make you feel!). Furthermore, diseases associated with oral health issues can shorten your pet's lifespan and cause significant pain.
This is why dental care is so important for the physical health and well-being of animals.
- What happens during a pet tooth cleaning appointment?
During your pet's routine oral exam, the veterinarian will examine his or her mouth for oral health conditions or any 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 conditions need to be addressed, the veterinarian will explain them to you and advise you on what steps to take.
Surgery may be required in some cases to treat serious conditions. Anesthesia will be administered to your pet prior to the dental procedure to ensure that they are comfortable and pain-free. However, special care will be required following surgery.
If you notice any of these symptoms, please contact us right away.
- What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
At home, brush your pet's teeth regularly and provide dental chew toys. These will aid in the elimination of plaque.
Allow them to chew on items that are likely to cause tooth damage, such as bones, toys, or objects that are too hard. Always consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns or questions about your pet's oral health.
Veterinary Dentistry: Anesthesia & Your Pet's Oral Health
Because cats and dogs don't understand what's going on during dental procedures, they often struggle or bite in response.
Our Elk Grove vets provide anesthesia to all of our patients before performing dental procedures, similar to how dentists provide anesthesia to nervous or anxious patients. This reduces stress on the animals and enables us to X-ray their mouths as needed.
New Patients Welcome at Bruceville Pet Hospital
We are happily accepting new patients at our conveniently located Elk Grove veterinary clinic! Our experienced vets are passionate about the health of companion animals. Reach out today to book your pet's first appointment.