Does your pet have a bad odor coming from their mouth? This could be one of the first indications of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is the most common disease of dogs and cats. Most pets do not show any signs of discomfort in their mouths, unless the dental disease is severe. You wouldn't normally think that your pet's dental care is important. They're just teeth right? Actually, periodontal disease can lead to diseases including liver, kidney and heart disease or can aggravate a pre-existing condition. Daily brushing, dental chews and toys, and preventative professional cleanings can keep your pet's teeth healthy for much longer!
We have the capability of taking full mouth intraoral digital dental radiographs during the dental procedure. This shows us a picture of what lies below the gum line and also disease processes such as: bone loss, tooth abscess, oral masses, tooth resorption, just to name a few! These radiographs will also show us the start of the disease process and we can guide you in the care needed to prevent further progression of periodontal disease.
A Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT), commonly referred to as a dental prophylaxis, includes: careful cleaning above and below the gum line, the teeth are polished and examined closely for damage, full mouth x-rays are taken, and pocketing of the gums are measured and recorded. All of this information gathered is reviewed by the veterinarian and a treatment plan is drafted, discussed with you the owner, then is carried out after your verbal consent while patient is under anesthesia.
Every pet should have a COHAT under anesthesia at some point in their lives, in many instances, they will be needed every year. Proper at home care can significantly delay the first dental and extend the elapsed time between cleanings.
A dental performed at Peace of Mind Veterinary Care also includes pre-operative blood work to ensure your pet is healthy enough to be placed under general anesthesia.
Please call and schedule a free oral exam by one of our highly trained doctors today! Don't forget to ask about how to brush your pet's teeth, too!