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Pet Dental Services

In an added effort to provide your pet with quality care, we offer pet dental services in our veterinary office.

Pet Dental Services in Toney, AL

It is estimated that 80% of pets exhibit the beginning stages of periodontal disease by age 3, which is why dental exams and teeth cleanings are essential. Also, studies indicate that pets with good oral hygiene tend to live 2 to 4 years longer than pets who neglect dental care.

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Pet Dental Services

While periodontal disease is entirely preventable, when left untreated, it can lead to cardiac disease, kidney infection, liver infection, or stroke.

Reasons for regular dental check-ups:

  • Avoid tooth loss due to periodontal disease.
  • Help your pet avert unnecessary pain.
  • Help your pet maintain healthy and functional teeth.
  • Improve foul breath.
  • Prevent potential damage to the brain, heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys.

What does a pet dental exam/cleaning involve?
Pets can experience many of the same dental issues that humans do, including gingivitis, periodontal disease, necessary tooth extraction, and deep scaling. Regular dental exams and cleanings can help you avoid the costliness of involved dental procedures and can help prevent your pet from unnecessary suffering.

Pet dental cleanings are similar to human dental exams and involve teeth scaling and polishing. Our pets must be placed under general anesthesia for scaling, polishing, and X-rays. Many times more serious conditions are discovered, which typically means tooth extraction. If more advanced work, such as root canals, is required, we would refer you to a veterinary dental specialist.

During your pet’s teeth cleaning, a dental technician will gently clean the surface of the teeth with an ultrasonic scaler that cleans using the vibration of sound waves and water. The waves push the water creating tiny scrubbing bubbles that implode on tooth surfaces and kill microbes as they separate plaque from the tooth structure. After scaling the teeth, the technician lightly buffs and polishes your pet’s teeth to complete their dental cleaning.

After the cleaning, the doctor does a thorough tooth, gum, and mouth exam, including checking for pockets, loose, broken, or infected teeth, and cavities (sometimes called neck lesions in cats), and will follow the guidelines you will be given in your dental paperwork regarding extractions and other optional tooth care.

Your pet will be able to go home that afternoon, and you will receive specific instructions regarding diet and aftercare based on your individual pet’s dental.

Some simple home hygiene tips are:

  • Brushing your pet’s teeth daily can cut down on 25-50% of tartar buildup.
  • Dental products specifically designed for pets, including Oravet, Oravet Chews, and CET, can help protect gums and lessen tartar.
  • Specific treats made to help remove and stop tartar buildup are available.
  • There are many pet toys that support dental health. Buying your pets these toys not only entertains them but offers a dual purpose in helping clean teeth.

Remember, creating a smooth, clean tooth surface makes it more difficult for tartar and plaque to build up!

If you would like to schedule a professional dental cleaning for your pet, call our office to schedule an appointment, and allow your pet to experience a healthy smile!