Pet Dental Care
Shining Smiles for Furry Friends
We are proud to offer pet dentistry services at West Main Animal Hospital.
URGENT cARE
If your pet has an urgent medical need, please call us for faster service. We offer limited same-day appointments and urgent care services.
Pet Dental Care
In addition to being uncomfortable for your pet, an unhealthy mouth has the potential to lead to serious medical conditions in other parts of the body, such as heart disease and kidney disease. You can minimize these risks for your dog or cat by providing regular care at home, which may include brushing and inspecting their teeth regularly, providing them with reputable dental treats, and even introducing additives to their water source that are designed to fight plaque buildup.
It’s also important to bring your pet in for checkups on a regular basis. This gives our veterinary team the opportunity to examine your pet’s mouth thoroughly and, if necessary, perform a dental cleaning.
Dental Disease in Your Pet: What to Watch For
Dental disease is one of the most common health issues with pets. If your pet exhibits any of the following signs, a dental procedure may be beneficial. Afterward, you may be surprised by how quickly your pet starts feeling better!
- Bad breath
- Difficulty eating
- Decreased appetite
- Broken teeth
- Drooling
- Yellowing/brown teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Painful mouth
- Loose teeth
What to Expect During Your Pet’s Dental Procedure
Every dental procedure includes the following, along with any restorative/corrective oral surgery that is identified:
- Pre-anesthetic laboratory tests, such as a blood panel, prior to your pet’s dental procedure to identify and minimize risks
- The safest injectable and inhalant anesthetics based on your pet’s individualized needs
- Intravenous fluids to help maintain your pet’s blood pressure, tissue hydration, and organ function
- A complete set of digital dental X-rays, which will help detect current and potential problems below the gum line, such as abscesses and reabsorbed or retained roots
- All dental radiographs will be forwarded to a board-certified veterinary dentist for a full interpretation
- Hand and ultrasonic scaling and polishing
- Irrigation (cleaning the mouth with an antibiotic solution)
- Oral cancer screening
- Pain management, including during the procedure and aftercare at home