Did you know that dental care contributes to your pet’s overall health? That means maintaining your pet’s dental health is essential to their well-being, which is why Bridgewater Veterinary Hospital offers comprehensive pet dental care. Plaque and tartar build up can cause dental disease, a common condition among pets that causes a range of issues and can lead to more serious health problems. Fortunately, our veterinary hospital is fully equipped to take the best possible care of your pet and help maintain their dental health!
When was the last time your pet had their teeth cleaned? Contact Bridgewater Veterinary Hospital to schedule your pet’s next dental appointment today!
What Is Dental Disease?
Dental disease is caused by a build up of plaque and tartar on your pet’s teeth which allows bacteria to get below the gum line, enter their bloodstream, and lead to more serious health problems, such as infection of the heart, liver, or kidneys. If left untreated, dental disease can result in discomfort, bad breath, irreversible damage to gums, and premature loss of teeth. Unfortunately, our pets can’t always tell us when they’re feeling any discomfort, but there are some symptoms to look out for:
Bad breath • Preference for soft food • Drooling • Red or swollen gums
We’re here to help maintain your pet’s oral health and can provide cat and dog teeth cleaning to prevent any issues from arising. If you notice any of the symptoms or behaviors listed above, your pet likely requires dental care.
Our Pet Dental Care Protocol
For our team to thoroughly examine your pet’s teeth and mouth, your pet will need to be fully sedated. Prior to this procedure, all patients will receive a physical exam and pre-anesthetic blood profile, which can help identify any underlying issues including blood disorders, liver or kidney disease, diabetes, or infection. Your pet will also receive a pre-anesthetic pain injection to help keep them calm before they are sedated. Here is what to expect during your pet’s dental appointment:
- After a pre-anesthetic blood profile and pain injection, we will place an IV catheter to administer anesthesia and IV fluids throughout the procedure.
- Using advanced equipment, we will monitor your pet’s vitals, including cardiac and respiratory function to ensure their safety.
- Then, we will thoroughly clean your pet’s teeth by clearing away any plaque or tartar as well as polish the teeth to prevent future build up.
- Dental X-rays are taken and reviewed at every appointment to ensure there aren’t any underlying issues.
- Once the radiographs are reviewed, we will decide on the appropriate treatment if necessary.
