Pet Dentistry & Dental Care

Only very few hospitals and clinics have a room actually dedicated to dental procedures. We have a full dental suite so we can best provide for your pet's needs! At Isla Veterinary Boutique Hospital, we believe that dental health is an essential part of your pet’s overall health. That is why we recommend getting your furry friend’s teeth and gums checked by our veterinarian to check for signs of any problems and to keep your pet’s mouth in tip-top shape.

What Causes Pet Dental Problems?

Cavities are less common in dogs and cats than in humans, but they can still experience many of the same problems. These include broken teeth and roots, gum disease, abscessed or infected teeth, cysts or tumors in the mouth, a bad bite, or a fractured jaw.

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is the most common dental problem in cats and dogs. If left untreated, this condition can cause severe problems for your furry companion. Not only does gum disease affect your pet’s oral health, but also the overall health. Periodontal disease has been linked to problems with the kidneys, liver, and heart.

Gum disease starts with plaque hardening to tartar. Plaque and tartar under the gum line can cause many problems including infection and damage to your pet’s jawbone and the connecting tissues. That’s why it’s important to make sure your pet’s teeth are routinely cleaned, which is the best way to prevent gum disease.

How Often Should Your Pet’s Teeth Get Checked?

We recommend having your pet’s teeth checked at least once a year. If, however, there are any signs of problems, you may need to get the teeth checked sooner. Symptoms of problems include bad breath, broken, loose, or discolored teeth, along with drooling or dropping food from the mouth. You also need to bring your pet in for a dental checkup if you notice reduced appetite, pain around the mouth area, a bleeding mouth, or swelling around the mouth.

Your Pet’s Dental Cleaning

Typically, these dental cleanings are recommended yearly, but we always assess your baby’s oral health first and offer customized recommendations, based on the dental exam. These dental cleanings are performed at our hospital with state-of-the-art equipment, detail-oriented care, and fully trained and passionate health care professionals. We also offer dental radiographs on site, to provide outstanding dental care and to assist in procedures where further dental workup may be recommended.

First, we will administer anesthesia to keep your pet safe from the risk of injury and to ensure that we are able to take any necessary x-rays or to inspect below the gum line without causing any pain or stress. We will perform a complete oral exam and use ultrasonic scaling for deep cleaning.

Next is examining below the gumline to ensure your pet is free from dental disease. In some cases, we will need to extract teeth to prevent harm to your pet’s oral and overall health. However, any extractions or further work up that may be recommended by the doctor will be discussed with you prior to performing these recommended procedures. We will not do anything without your authorization.

The last step is polishing the enamel surfaces of the teeth, leaving your pet’s mouth squeaky clean.

Dental Care at Home

We recommend regularly brushing your pet’s teeth between cleanings. This is the most effective way you can minimize the complications associated with gum disease. Feeding the correct food and brushing your fur baby’s teeth daily will go a long way to help promote good oral health. Many oral health issues are reversible or controlled with a commitment to preventive, daily dental care at home.

Most dogs will accept brushing, while cats are more resistant, which will take a lot of patience and training on your part. When you visit us with your fur baby at Isla for a dental exam, we will discuss techniques and share tips on how to brush your pet’s teeth in an easier way.

Pet Dental Services Near Me

Contact your friendly team at Isla Veterinary Boutique Hospital to learn more about caring for your four-legged friend’s dental health. We appreciate the Op-paw-tunity of caring for our paw-some patients. Call us today!