Comprehensive Veterinary Dentistry for Cats & Dogs
A critical component of dogs' and cats' overall health is their routine dental care. However, most pets aren't able to receive the oral hygiene they need in order to keep their gums and teeth healthy.
At North Boulder Companion Animal Hospital, we aim to provide complete dental care for your dog or cat ranging from basic veterinary dental checkups including teeth cleanings and polishing to dental surgeries and x-rays.
We are also passionate about dental health education regarding home dental care for pet owners.
Dental Surgery in North Boulder
We know that finding out your pet needs dental surgery can be overwhelming. We are committed to making this process as stress-free as possible for your pet and you.
We will walk through each step of the process with you and do everything we can to make sure your experience with our pet hospital is easy and comfortable. We also offer reparative surgeries for your dog or cat's jaw, gum disease treatments and tooth extractions.
Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams
Your pet should come in for a dental checkup with your vet at least once per year. Dogs and cats who are more prone to dental health issues may need to see us more often.
North Boulder Companion Animal Hospital can assess, diagnose and treat dental health problems in cats and dogs.
- Symptoms
If you notice any of the following symptoms in your pet, it's time for a dental checkup.
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Abnormal chewing, drooling or dropping food from the mouth
- 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
- Discolored teeth
- Assessment
We will conduct a thorough examination of your pet before administering anesthesia to ensure that it is safe to do so.
We will take blood tests alongside other diagnostics, such as chest radiographs or an ECG.
After your pet under the effects of anesthesia, we will conduct a complete oral examination on each of their teeth, including charting
- Treatment
After that, their teeth are cleaned and polished both above and below the gum line. We also take x-rays of their teeth and apply a fluoride treatment to each individual tooth.
If advanced periodontal disease is found, the veterinarian will develop a treatment plan and discuss it with you.
- Prevention
A complimentary follow-up examination will be scheduled 3 to 4 weeks after dental surgery to check for proper healing.
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?
Pets can develop periodontal diseases or tooth decay, just like people, because of poor oral health.
Plaque, which sticks to your pet's teeth can build up into tartar if not brushed regularly.
This can lead to infections in the mouth, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and even loose or missing teeth. That's why regular dental care is essential to preventing pain or disease in the gums.
- How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
Behavior can be a helpful indicator of oral health issues in your pet. If they are experiencing dental problems, your pet may drool excessively, paw at their mouth, grind their teeth, yawn or stop grooming.
Other signs of oral health problems include bad breath, swollen gums, and tooth discoloration. Some pets may even suffer from pain that keeps them from eating. Read more about symptoms to the left under Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams.
- What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
Besides causing problems ranging from cavities and bad breath to severe periodontal disease, oral health issues and conditions can lead to disease in the liver, kidney, heart and other areas throughout your pet's body.
Your pet may develop cysts or tumors as a result of their poor oral health. They may also feel generally unwell. Diseases related to oral health issues can also shorten your pet's lifespan and cause them significant pain.
This is why regular dental care is so essential to animals' physical health and wellbeing.
- What happens during a pet teeth cleaning appointment?
During your pet's dental checkup, the vet will examine their mouth for oral health issues or symptoms.
The vet will clean tartar and other debris from your cat's or dog's teeth. If cavities, gingivitis or other conditions need to be addressed, the vet will explain these to you and provide advice on which actions you should take.
In some cases, surgery will be needed to treat serious conditions. Your pet will be provided anesthesia before their dental procedure to ensure they are comfortable and do not experience any pain. However, special care will be needed post-surgery.
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a dental appointment with us.
- What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
At home, you should brush your pet's teeth on a regular basis and give them dental chew toys. These will help eliminate plaque.
Don't' let your pet chew on things that will damage their teeth or mouth. This can include bones, toys, or other objects which may be too hard for them to safely chew on. Contact your vet if you have any questions about your pet's oral health.
Veterinary Dentistry: Anesthesia & Your Pet's Oral Health
Cats and dogs do not understand what is going on during dental procedures, and will often react by struggling or biting. We provide anesthesia to all of our patients before performing dental procedures. This puts less stress on the animals and allows us to x-ray their mouth as needed.