Veterinary Dentistry & Dental Surgery

Teeth Cleaning & Examinations

Annual dental checkups are an important aspect of caring for your dog or cat's overall health. Detecting oral health issues early can help to prevent your pet from experiencing pain or discomfort due to issues such as tooth decay, broken teeth or periodontal disease.

A pet dental appointment typically involves the following: 

• Pre-Anesthetic Assessment

  A thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment will be completed for your pet before the dental exam. 

  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. 

• Administering Anesthesia

  Anesthesia is administered to all patients undergoing dental procedures. This allows us to do a thorough examination and cleaning as well as capture any required X-rays safely and efficiently without undue stress on the pet. 

• Oral Examination & Cleaning

  Once your pet is under anesthesia, we will conduct a complete, tooth-by-tooth, oral examination and charting. Their teeth will be cleaned and polished (including under the gum line) and X-rays may be taken. We then apply a fluoride treatment to each tooth, as well as dental sealant to prevent plaque from attaching to the enamel.

  If any oral health concerns are discovered, the veterinarian will develop a custom treatment plan, which may include dental surgery, and discuss it with you. 

• Follow-up Exam & Home Care

  Your veterinarian may recommend a follow-up examination be scheduled two weeks after the initial appointment. 

  During this visit, we will discuss any concerns and provide advice on at-home care for your pet's teeth. 

Dental Surgery for Cats & Dogs

Our Picton veterinarians perform dental surgery for cats and dogs when required, including jaw fracture repair surgeries, tooth extractions, and treatment for periodontal disease.

Your pet will be provided with anesthesia before their dental surgery to ensure they are comfortable and do not experience any pain.

We'll be sure to break down each step of the process to you in detail before the procedure, including what is needed to prepare and what to expect throughout your pet's post-operative care.

FAQs About Pet Dental Care

Please read through the following FAQs to learn more about dental care for your pet and what to expect:

• Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?

  Like us, dogs and cats can develop periodontal disease or tooth decay as a consequence of poor oral health. When animals eat, plaque sticks to their teeth and can build up into tartar if not cleaned away regularly. 

  Annual veterinary dental care can help to prevent conditions such as periodontal disease, tooth decay, and even loose or missing teeth.

• How often does my pet need their teeth cleaned?

  We recommend that most dogs and cats see a vet for a dental checkup once a year. Pets more prone to dental problems than others may require more frequent appointments. 

• How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?

  Pets experiencing dental problems may show one or more of the following signs: excessive drooling (may contain pus or blood), pawing at their mouth or teeth, repeated yawning, teeth grinding, reduced grooming, or dropping food from their mouth while eating.

  Other signs of oral health problems include bad breath, swollen gums, and tooth discoloration. Some pets may even stop eating. 

• What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?

  As well as causing problems such as cavities, bad breath and periodontal disease, oral health issues and conditions may lead to disease in the liver, kidney, heart, and other areas throughout your pet's body. 

• What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?

  Brushing your pet's teeth on a regular basis, and providing dental chew toys can help to control the buildup of plaque. Speak to your vet to learn more about caring for your dog or cat's teeth between veterinary appointments. 

• Why does my pet require anesthesia for their dental appointment?

  Cats and dogs are unable to understand what is going on during dental procedures, and will often react by by struggling or biting.

  Using anesthesia puts less stress on pets and allows us to examine their mouth safely. 

• What dental issues may require dental surgery as treatment?

  Dental health issues which may require dental surgery include cracked or broken teeth; tooth decay; severe gum disease (periodontitis); jaw fractures; TMJ (temporomandibular joint); luxation; or dysplasia Feline stomatitis.