Periodontal Disease
Pets can build up plaque and tartar nearly seven times faster than humans. Without regular cleanings, plaque builds up along and under the gum line, leading to bad breath, gingivitis, bone loss, pain, and periodontal disease.
This can lead to other very serious health issues, such as heart, lung, and kidney disease since it has a direct line to the blood stream. Dental disease undoubtedly causes pain for your pet.
Dental Prophylaxis
During a physical exam it may be found a dental prophylaxis would be beneficial for your pet. Many pets by the age of 3 years, especially small breed dogs, are in need of dental attention.
This involves general anesthesia, removing the plaque and tartar with an ultrasonic scaler, and polishing the crowns. We are also able to fully examine your pet's mouth for any gingival pockets, compromised teeth, or oral growths potentially needing treatment.
Dental Radiograph
We perform digital dental radiography with every prophylaxis which allows us to look below the gum line where more than 50% of the tooth exists.
With this technology we can:
* Detect bone loss around teeth due to periodontal disease
* Examine broken teeth, which can lead to abscesses
* Detect un-erupted teeth (teeth that did not break through the gum surface)
* Examine teeth for Feline Odontoclastic Resorption Lesions (FORLs), a painful disease in cats
* Examine pulp cavity of discolored teeth, which is suggestive of underlying problems.
