Dental health is an important aspect of the overall well-being of our furry friends. Poor dental health can lead to a range of health issues, including tooth decay, gum disease, and even systemic infections. Fortunately, there are a variety of veterinary dental treatments available to help prevent and treat dental problems in pets.

Dental Exams of dental health

The first step in maintaining your pet’s oral hygiene is to schedule regular dental exams with your veterinarian. During a dental exam, your vet will perform a thorough oral examination to check for signs of dental problems such as cat or dog tooth decay, gum disease, swollen gums, or oral tumors. If necessary, they may also take dental x-rays to identify any underlying issues.

Professional Teeth Cleaning

Professional teeth cleaning is an important part of maintaining your pet’s dental health. This procedure involves a thorough cat or dog dental cleaning of the teeth and gums, including the removal of plaque and tartar build-up. Professional cat and dog teeth cleaning is typically performed under general anesthesia and may include scaling, polishing, and fluoride treatment.

Tooth Extraction for dental health

Sometimes, a pet’s dental issues may be so severe that tooth extraction is necessary. This procedure involves the removal of one or more teeth and is typically performed under general anesthesia. Tooth extraction may be necessary in cases of severe decay, advanced periodontal disease, or trauma to the tooth. However, this poses a risk of a dry socket and issues with a blood clots at the extraction site.

As pet owners, we want our furry friends to be healthy and happy, which includes taking care of their teeth. Dental health is a crucial part of overall pet wellness, and advances in veterinary dentistry have made it easier than ever to keep our pets’ teeth clean and healthy. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the latest dental treatments in the veterinary industry.

Digital Dental Radiography

Digital dental radiography is a relatively new technology that allows veterinarians to take high-quality images of a pet’s teeth and jaw in a matter of seconds. This technology is similar to the X-rays used in human dentistry, but it’s specifically designed for pets. The images produced by digital dental radiography allow veterinarians to quickly and accurately diagnose dental issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and broken cat or dog teeth.

Endodontics

Endodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on treating the inside of the tooth, including the root canal. Just like in human dentistry, endodontic treatment from a cat or dog dentist can be used to save a damaged or infected tooth. This procedure involves removing the pulp and nerve tissue from the inside of the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the root canal, and filling it with a special material. Endodontic treatment can help alleviate pain and save a pet’s tooth, which is essential for maintaining good
dental health.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses light energy to promote healing and reduce pain and inflammation. In veterinary dentistry, laser therapy can be used to treat a variety of dental issues, including gum disease and tooth decay. The laser is used to remove damaged tissue and bacteria, while promoting the growth of healthy tissue. Laser therapy is a safe and effective treatment option that can help improve a pet’s dental health without the need for surgery.

Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment is not just for humans – pets can benefit from it too! Orthodontics in veterinary dentistry can be used to correct misaligned teeth, bite issues, and other dental problems that can lead to pain, discomfort, and even difficulty eating. Orthodontic treatment can involve the use of braces or other appliances to gently move teeth into the correct position.

Periodontal Therapy

Periodontal therapy is a treatment option for pets with advanced gum disease. This treatment involves tooth cleaning and gums, removing plaque and tartar build-up, and treating any underlying infections. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other serious health issues. Periodontal therapy can help improve a pet’s dental health and prevent further damage to the teeth and gums.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a relatively new treatment option for pets with missing teeth. This procedure involves surgically placing a small titanium post into the jawbone, which acts as a replacement tooth root. A prosthetic tooth is then attached to the post, creating a durable and natural-looking replacement tooth. Dental implants can improve a pet’s ability to eat, speak, and play, and can also prevent further dental issues from occurring.

Bonding

Bonding is a cosmetic dental treatment that can improve the appearance of a pet’s teeth. This treatment involves applying a composite resin to the surface of the tooth to correct any chips, cracks, or discolorations. Bonding is a non-invasive and cost-effective treatment option that can significantly improve a pet’s smile.

Root Planing

Root planing is a non-surgical treatment option for pets with advanced gum disease. This procedure involves removing plaque and tartar build-up from the root surfaces of the teeth, which helps to eliminate bacteria and prevent further damage to the gums. Root planning can improve a pet’s dental health and reduce the risk of tooth loss.

Fluoride Treatment for dental health

Fluoride treatment is a preventative dental treatment that can help strengthen a pet’s teeth and prevent tooth decay. This treatment involves applying a fluoride gel or varnish to the teeth, which helps to remineralize the enamel and make the teeth more resistant to acid attacks. Fluoride treatment is a quick and easy treatment option that can significantly improve a pet’s dental health. Regular use of a pet-friendly fluoride toothpaste will help to keep your pet’s dental hygiene in check.

Enameloplasty

Enameloplasty is a cosmetic dental treatment that can improve the appearance of a pet’s teeth. This procedure involves reshaping the enamel of the teeth to correct any imperfections, such as bumps or rough spots. Enameloplasty is a non-invasive and painless treatment option that can significantly improve a pet’s smile.

How to Clean Dogs Teeth at Home:

To help avoid potentially expensive dental treatments, pet owners can provide their pets with a dental care routine at home to prevent decay and dental disease from developing. You can do this by feeding your pet a dental diet that will help prevent plaque build-up, and maintain healthy gyms and oral hygiene.

Brushing a dog’s teeth can sometimes be tricky when using a regular dog toothbrush as they may see it as a toy and try to play with it or be a bit frightened by this unknown object, so you can try using a dog finger toothbrush as they slip over your finger and allow you to maneuver around your pet’s mouth more easily as your pet is less likely to notice the foreign object.

In conclusion, dental health is an essential part of overall pet wellness, and advances in veterinary dentistry have made it easier than ever to keep our pets’ teeth clean and healthy.

Pet owners can maintain their pet’s dental health by dog toothpaste to clean their dogs teeth. By regularly cleaning dogs teeth, you can help keep tartar at bay and prevent them from developing dental disease. From digital dental radiography to laser therapy and orthodontics, there are many treatment options available to help improve a pet’s dental health and quality of life.

If you have concerns about your pet’s dental health, please talk to our vets at Paws in the City about the latest dental treatments available that are appropriate for your pet’s specific needs.