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Dental Care

January 23, 2015

Dental Care at Peterborough West Animal Hospital

At Peterborough West Animal Hospital if we examine your pet and note bad breath, tartar buildup or gingivitis, we will recommend a dental cleaning. A complete dental cleaning requires removal of tartar and plaque under the gum line and this can only be done under general anesthesia. This means your pet will spend the day in the hospital.

About the Anesthesia?

We use isoflurane inhalant (gas) anesthesia as it is the safest anesthesia available.

What will be done to my pet’s teeth?

First any buildup is removed with ultrasonic dental equipment. Next the teeth are evaluated for periodontal disease, such as pockets in the gum tissue or loose teeth. Then the teeth are polished, and a fluoride treatment is applied to strengthen the tooth enamel. X-rays help us evaluate the roots of the teeth and help us determine if the teeth are healthy.

What if gingivitis is present or pockets are found?

These conditions are often complicated by bacterial infection and an antibiotic may be prescribed. Deep pockets may require oral surgery to extract the teeth. Dr. Sargent or Dr. Giffen or a one of our technicians at Peterborough West Animal Hospital will discuss this with you.

What if there are diseased or loose teeth?

Loose teeth are a source of pain to the pet and surgical extraction should be performed.

How much does it cost?

At Peterborough West Animal Hospital we will be happy to give you a treatment plan with the associated costs, which includes anesthesia, hospitalization, dental cleaning and polishing, fluoride treatment, dental X-rays, IV fluids and any antibiotic medications, or pain relief medications that may be required.

Will there be any additional charges?

The team at Peterborough West Animal Hospital recommends that all patients have a presurgical blood screen – to check the red and white blood cells and test the liver and kidney function before anesthesia is administered. Also, any extractions would involve additional charges.

What can I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth healthier?

At Peterborough West Animal Hospital we carry a number of products that will help prevent dental disease. We carry pet toothbrushes and toothpaste for brushing the teeth. We also have “CET aquadent”, an oral rinse to help prevent gingivitis and “CET Veggident chews”, which can all be used in a home care program to keep the teeth cleaner and healthier. We also carry T/D Diet for Dogs and Cats that is helpful in preventing tartar buildup.

What if I don’t have a dental done on my pet?

In addition to the bad smell (halitosis), tartar and gingivitis can lead to tooth abscesses, loose or missing teeth, unwillingness to eat, and generalized mouth pain if left unattended. It can also lead to more systemic (body-wide) diseases, such as bacterial infections which are carried through the bloodstream to the heart, kidneys and other organs. Remember that pets “suffer in silence” with a painful mouth. Think of how you feel with a toothache! For more information, please speak with one of Peterborough West Animal Hospital’s knowledgeable team members.

Contact us, your local animal hospital in Peterborough, ON!

705-745-4800

At Peterborough West Animal Hospital we are

“Pawsitively devoted to your best friend…..”