Pet Dental Care and Oral Surgery in Austin, Texas
Even the most diligent pet owners don’t fully realize the importance of regular dog and cat dental care for maintaining overall health. Pet dental issues can be caused by or cause other health problems, and time becomes of the essence for your pet's well-being.
Your pet’s teeth and gums should be checked annually by your veterinarian to halt any early signs of dental disease before it can become problematic. We can also educate you on what you can do at home in between visits to ensure a healthy mouth for your pets.
Signs of Dental Disease All Pet Parents Should Be Aware Of
Part of responsible pet ownership is watching your pet carefully to note any behavior changes, signs of pain, or other symptoms that could indicate illness.
Bring your pet to the veterinarian if you notice any of the following dental issues:
- Foul-smelling breath
- Discolored teeth or those that are covered in tartar
- Broken or loose teeth
- Issues with chewing, drooling, and food dropping from the mouth—sometimes, a pet will chew on one side to avoid the painful side
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Extra or retained baby teeth
- Swelling in the areas surrounding the mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
Understandably, some pets become irritable when experiencing dental issues, so report any behavior changes to your veterinarian. And use caution when evaluating your pet’s mouth on your own, as even the friendliest animals can bite when in pain.
Periodontal Disease in Pets
The most common dental condition in dogs and cats, periodontal disease is typically present in nearly all pets by the time they are only three years old. This will continue to worsen as your pet gets older if you don’t take preventive measures against its progression. What makes this even more critical is that once the plaque hardens into tartar, periodontal disease can cause bacteria to spread to the pet’s organs, such as the liver, kidney, and heart.
We treat periodontal disease by first taking X-rays to determine the severity of the disease. It will also help us to assess the pet’s jaw and tooth roots' health below the gumline.
Once we determine the level of periodontal disease, we do the following:
- Teeth cleaning (scaling to remove plaque and tartar)
- Adjustment
- Filing
- Extractions, if necessary (we always call you to discuss these)
- Tooth repair
- Polishing
Check out this article from Veterinary Practice News for more on the steps taken during a veterinary dental visit. While these procedures are commonly done by a veterinarian, some states allow veterinary technicians to perform certain dental procedures under a veterinarian’s supervision.
Why Does Veterinary Dentistry Require Anesthesia?
Putting your pet under anesthesia to perform their dental cleaning will ensure less stress and pain for them. Not only that, but it also allows for a much more thorough cat and dog teeth cleaning because your pet isn’t moving around and risking injury to themselves or the veterinary team.
Although anesthesia will always have risks, it’s safer than it’s ever been and continues to improve, ensuring the risks are far outweighed by the benefits. Most pets can go home on the day of the procedure, although they might be a little groggy for the rest of the day.
We offer dog and cat dental cleanings and extractions. Book an appointment at PAZ Vet West for your pet’s next dental cleaning today!
Book your pet's appointment at Paz West today!