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

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 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.

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

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 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.

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.

Dr. Austin Gifford checking a dogs teeth on the exam table.
5/5

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.

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