FAQ's

I was unaware that dogs and cats have dental problems. Is it common?

Dental disease is the most common disease in dogs and cats. Over 68% of all pets over the age of three have some form of periodontal or dental disease. Most pets will show few signs of dental disease. Dental disease is more than just bad breath, though that is often the first or only sign owners notice. Dental disease affects the entire body. The bacteria that contribute to dental disease cause tissue and bone destruction, which can invade the blood stream and cause damage and disease in the heart, liver, and kidneys.

Are dental problems the same in pets and people?

No. In people the most common problem is tooth decay which, due to the loss of calcium from the enamel, results in painful, infected cavities. In the dog tooth decay represents less than 5% of all dental problems. The most common dental problems seen in dogs are caused by periodontal disease.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is a term used to describe inflammation or infection of the tissues surrounding the tooth. Accumulation of tartar and calculus on the teeth contributes to gum recession around the base of the tooth. Infection soon follows and the gums recede, exposing sensitive unprotected tooth surfaces. Untreated infection then spreads into the tooth socket and ultimately the tooth loosens and is lost.

How serious is dental disease?

The mouth of all mammals is home to thousands of bacteria. Many of these bacteria will breed on the surfaces of the tooth and form an invisible layer called plaque or biofilm. Some of this is removed naturally by the dog’s tongue and chewing habits but if allowed to remain on the tooth surface, the plaque thickens, becomes mineralized and is then visible as tartar and ultimately calculus. The tartar presses on the gums, which recede, causing inflammation and infection called gingivitis. The gums continue to recede until ultimately the tooth socket is infected. This can lead to a painful pocket of infection called an abscess, or can infect underlying bone and cause osteomyelitis. The bacteria are absorbed into the blood stream and can be carried to other organs. Heart valve infections (endocarditis), kidney and liver problems are frequently caused by “bad teeth”.

Can tartar be prevented?

At-home dental care can help slow the growth of tartar and increase the amount of time before a full dental cleaning is needed. The most effective way of preventing dental disease is daily tooth brushing with a dog-safe, enzymatic toothpaste. If this is not possible even weekly brushing can help some. Alternatives to tooth brushing include the use of specially coated dental chews (C.E.T. Chews™), chlorhexidine containing rinses, and water additives (Aquadent™). For dogs at high risk of developing dental disease, prescription dental diets such as Purina DH™ and Hill’s t/d™ are available.

We will make an appointment for you to bring in your pet to be dropped off in the morning. A full physical examination will be performed, and pre-anesthestic bloodwork will be run to make sure your pet is healthy enough to undergo anesthesia. They then will be placed under general anesthesia, using the safest forms of anesthestic agents available. Your pet’s vital signs will be monitored throughout the entire procedure by both a technician and electronic monitoring devices.

Tooth scaling will be performed using both hand scalers and ultrasonic cleaning equipment to remove tartar both above and below the gum line. The tartar beneath the gum line causes the most significant gum recession. A complete oral examination is then performed, as well as any necessary treatments. The most common therapy needed is tooth extraction of severely diseased, mobile, and painful teeth. The teeth are then polished in order to help prevent subsequent plaque build-up.

Since it can be difficult to predict the extent of dental disease in advance of the procedure, it is imperative that your veterinarian is able to reach you during the procedure to discuss any additional treatment that may be necessary.

How can I prevent tartar accumulation after the procedure?

Plaque and tartar begin forming in as little as six hours after your pet’s dental cleaning. A home dental care program is a must for all pets. We will be happy to discuss at-home dental care with you further.