Dentistry

Overview

Studies show that 50% of all dogs and cats have some form of periodontal disease. That number jumps to 80% in pets that are 3 years of age or older. If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause infection, pain, and tooth loss over time. It can also lead to serious health problems like microscopic changes in the heart, liver, and kidneys. Because of this, we recommend an annual veterinary dental healthcare examination for all pets.

Why do pets need dental care?

Many health problems start in the mouth. Plaque, tartar, periodontal disease, and infected teeth serve as a source of inflammation and infection for the rest of the body.

Dental disease is one of the most common problems that we see in dogs and cats. It can cause drooling, reluctance to eat, swelling, bad breath, redness of the gums, loose teeth and tooth discoloration.

When should I seek dental care for my pet?

Dental issues and dental related diseases can easily be prevented by visiting our veterinarians regularly for dental examinations and cleanings. We take a comprehensive approach to dental care including dental health assessment, treatment, and prevention.

How does it work?

Oral Assessment, Treatment, and Prevention (ATP)

Dog and cat dental cleanings are very similar to human dental cleanings, except that we are required to use anesthesia to properly and safely examine and clean the teeth. We take great pride at Peotone Animal Hospital with the high standard of care we provide to each pet. Our veterinarians perform a thorough oral exam to check for signs of disease such as gum loss, root exposure, bone loss, pockets around the tooth roots, impacted teeth causing cysts, and fractured teeth. We perform full mouth radiographs (x-rays) of your pet to completely evaluate each individual tooth root. Following the procedure, our team will provide you with a digital copy of before & after pictures as well as the intraoral radiographs (x-rays) taken during the procedure. 

Oral Surgery

We make every effort to save teeth that we feel have a chance to be successfully treated. In many circumstances, however, periodontal disease is so advanced that treatment without extraction is unsuccessful. We only extract teeth that in the doctor's opinion are beyond saving.

We perform regional nerve blocks to provide your pet with more comfort during the procedure as well as into recovery. This also ensures we can maintain your pet on the lowest plane of anesthesia to minimize anesthetic risk. 

Please call us today if you have any questions or would like to get your pet scheduled for an Oral ATP!