Every animal with teeth has progressive dental disease
Dental Care
The difference from one animal to the next is the rate of dental progression. Factors contributing to how fast dental disease builds up are diet, genetics and home dental care.
Passion for Pets and their People
Getting Started with dental care
TREATING PET DENTAL DISEASE
If your dog or cat already has dental disease, then it is time for a professional dental cleaning.
- Professional dental cleanings should only be performed on pets if they are under anesthesia. This allows us to protect their airways from dirty water and allows us to carry out treatments which are sometimes painful.
- When your pet goes under anesthesia for a dental cleaning, they will have their teeth scaled with an ultrasonic scaler and polished afterwards.
- We also inspect each tooth for evidence of disease which includes mobility, excessive pocketing, bone loss, broken teeth, infection, and root exposure among other things.
If any of these are identified during the procedure your veterinarian will discuss treatment options to help correct your pet’s painful dental disease
Dental X-Rays
Dental x-rays are an important part of dental prophylaxis (dental cleanings)
- They help us identify problems that exist below the gum line and they help identify and avoid potential complications with tooth extractions before they get extracted.
Tooth root abscesses, bone loss, unerupted teeth and hooked roots are some of the important findings a dental x-ray may provide.
Things to Avoid
Chew toys which are very hard can easily break a dog’s teeth.
- Chew toys should be soft enough to have some give when chomped on.
- The harder the toy, the more likely your dog will need expensive dental work to either repair or remove the damaged tooth.
Some of the common offenders include antlers, marrow bones and hooves.
Getting Started with dental care
TREATING PET DENTAL DISEASE
If your dog or cat already has dental disease, then it is time for a professional dental cleaning.
- Professional dental cleanings should only be performed on pets if they are under anesthesia. This allows us to protect their airways from dirty water and allows us to carry out treatments which are sometimes painful.
- When your pet goes under anesthesia for a dental cleaning, they will have their teeth scaled with an ultrasonic scaler and polished afterwards.
- We also inspect each tooth for evidence of disease which includes mobility, excessive pocketing, bone loss, broken teeth, infection, and root exposure among other things.
If any of these are identified during the procedure your veterinarian will discuss treatment options to help correct your pet’s painful dental disease
Dental X-Rays
Dental x-rays are an important part of dental prophylaxis (dental cleanings)
- They help us identify problems that exist below the gum line and they help identify and avoid potential complications with tooth extractions before they get extracted.
Tooth root abscesses, bone loss, unerupted teeth and hooked roots are some of the important findings a dental x-ray may provide.
Things to Avoid
Chew toys which are very hard can easily break a dog’s teeth.
- Chew toys should be soft enough to have some give when chomped on.
- The harder the toy, the more likely your dog will need expensive dental work to either repair or remove the damaged tooth.
Some of the common offenders include antlers, marrow bones and hooves.
Have Questions?
Brushing your pet’s teeth is, by far, the most effective way to slow down the progression of dental disease.
OUR CLIENTS OFTEN ASK
HOW CAN I KEEP MY PET'S TEETH CLEAN AT HOME?
Here are some great tips from Primary Pet Care to get your pet dental hygiene regimen pointed in the right direction.
It’s a good idea to begin brushing your pets’ teeth as early as puppies or kittens.
A good quality dry pet food is better for reducing the progression of dental disease.
Avoid pet dental products that promise the world but don’t do anything.
TRUSTED TRI-CITY AREA VETERINARIAN
Our Mesa Arizona veterinary clinic is committed to providing you the best and most comprehensive pet care for your dog or cat.
Whether you need vaccines for a new puppy or kitten, an annual wellness exam or same day medical appointments – Primary Pet Care always provides affordable loving care and the most gentle treatment.
If it’s 5/5 stars, I give them 16/5. They are the best Pet Care team I have ever worked with. They understand and care about you and your animal. So grateful to have these vets in business!
Jessica & Crawl
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quality pet dental care
Dr. Gifford and the team at Primary Pet Care are committed to keeping your pet healthy with the latest dental equipment and gentle techniques.