Advanced Dentistry
Good oral health is an important part of the wellbeing of your pet. Regular dental checkups and dental cleanings at Duluth Animal Hospital, combined with good dental hygiene at home, can increase health, vitality, and well-being.
By the age of three over 80% of dogs and 70% cats have developed oral disease. Dental disease can lead to painful oral infections, tooth loss, problems eating, bad breath, and bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream, causing organ damage that affects the heart, kidney, and liver. This bacteria can cause increased strain on the immune system. Because more than half of the tooth is below the gumline, many issues such as bone loss, pockets of infection, and problems with the roots cannot be seen just by looking in your pet's mouth.
During a dental procedure, your pet is anesthetized and a breathing tube in placed in the trachea to provide oxygen and protect the lungs from bacteria that will be removed from the teeth. A special surgical technician will be dedicated to monitoring your pet's vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, oxygen saturation, respiration, and anesthesia. During the procedure, the teeth will be scaled, probed, and polished using the same equipment and procedures found in human dentistry. High-tech x-ray equipment is used to perform full-mouth x-rays that search for hidden problems below the gumline including the internal anatomy of the teeth, the roots, and the underlying bones. These x-rays also provide a baseline for future comparison as your pet ages. We are also able to address other oral issues during a dental such as masses, abscesses, retained or broken teeth, and when indicated can surgically extract diseased teeth.
In Between Cleanings: Dental Care At Home
In between visits, check your pet's teeth regularly for signs of problems. Brushing your pet's teeth is the single most important way you can maintain good oral health. If performed regularly, brushing dramatically decreases the incidence of gingivitis and can increase the interval between surgical teeth cleaning appointments. We also carry many products such as dental chews, treats, and water additives to help maintain dental health.
Signs of Pet Dental Problems
- Bad Breath – one of the first signs of dental disease
- Yellowish-brown crust of plaque on the teeth near the gumline
- Red and swollen gums
- Pain or bleeding when eating or when the mouth or gums are touched
- Decreased appetite or difficulty eating
- Loose, cracked, broken, or missing teeth
- Reluctance to let owners touch their muzzle
If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms please call Duluth Animal Hospital today for an appointment. Your pet should not spend any more time suffering with oral discomfort.
770-476-3317