Comprehensive Dental ServicesA healthy mouth is a healthy pet.
Periodontal (all the important things that attach teeth to the mouth) disease is estimated to affect 60% of all dogs and 70% of all cats. This alarmingly common disease is all too often overlooked. Dental services for your pet is about more than just pretty teeth! These chronic infections constantly shower down system organs (heart, lungs, liver, kidneys) with bacteria. Among other harmful effects, the bacteria cause painful bone infections under the gum line, where we can’t see. Dogs and cats are stoical about pain, which is why it is so easily overlooked. In spite of this deep bone ache, they will often appear to eat and play regularly. But after we address the infection, almost all owners notice an improvement in general energy and well-being. |
|
The Dental COHAT
A COHAT (Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment) is an essential part of maintaining your pet's health.
Here’s a friendly and simplified explanation of the steps involved, following American Animal Hospital Association guidelines:
Here’s a friendly and simplified explanation of the steps involved, following American Animal Hospital Association guidelines:
Step 1: Pre-Procedure Preparation We’ll begin with a pre-anesthetic exam to ensure your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia. This includes reviewing bloodwork to check their organ function and hydration. Your pet’s safety is our top priority, so we carefully tailor the anesthesia plan based on their specific needs.
Step 2: Anesthesia For a thorough and safe dental procedure, your pet will be placed under general anesthesia. This allows us to perform a complete oral exam and treatment without stress or discomfort for your furry friend.
Step 3: Oral Examination Once your pet is comfortably under anesthesia, we’ll perform a detailed oral exam. We inspect every tooth, check the gums, and look for signs of dental disease like tartar, broken teeth, or infections. We also evaluate their oral cavity for any masses or abnormalities.
Step 4: Dental Radiographs (X-rays) Since more than half of dental disease occurs below the gumline, we take full-mouth X-rays to evaluate the roots and bone structure. This helps us detect hidden issues like infections, root abscesses, or bone loss.
Step 5: Scaling and Cleaning We carefully clean each tooth, removing plaque and tartar above and below the gumline. Cleaning below the gumline is especially important to prevent periodontal disease.
Step 6: Polishing After scaling, we polish the teeth to smooth the surface and reduce future plaque buildup. This step helps keep your pet’s teeth healthier for longer.
Step 7: Additional Treatments If X-rays or the oral exam reveal any problems, we may perform treatments such as extractions or other procedures to address dental disease. This is always done with your pet’s comfort and long-term health in mind.
Step 8: Recovery After the procedure, your pet is moved to a recovery area where they are monitored closely until they wake up fully. We provide heat support and keep them cozy to ensure a safe and comfortable recovery.
Step 9: Post-Procedure Care You’ll receive detailed instructions for caring for your pet’s teeth at home, along with any medications they may need. We’ll also let you know if follow-up care is recommended.
A COHAT is like a spa day for your pet’s mouth! It ensures they stay happy, healthy, and pain-free. Regular dental care prevents painful dental disease and keeps those tails wagging. If you have any questions, we’re always here to help!
Step 2: Anesthesia For a thorough and safe dental procedure, your pet will be placed under general anesthesia. This allows us to perform a complete oral exam and treatment without stress or discomfort for your furry friend.
Step 3: Oral Examination Once your pet is comfortably under anesthesia, we’ll perform a detailed oral exam. We inspect every tooth, check the gums, and look for signs of dental disease like tartar, broken teeth, or infections. We also evaluate their oral cavity for any masses or abnormalities.
Step 4: Dental Radiographs (X-rays) Since more than half of dental disease occurs below the gumline, we take full-mouth X-rays to evaluate the roots and bone structure. This helps us detect hidden issues like infections, root abscesses, or bone loss.
Step 5: Scaling and Cleaning We carefully clean each tooth, removing plaque and tartar above and below the gumline. Cleaning below the gumline is especially important to prevent periodontal disease.
Step 6: Polishing After scaling, we polish the teeth to smooth the surface and reduce future plaque buildup. This step helps keep your pet’s teeth healthier for longer.
Step 7: Additional Treatments If X-rays or the oral exam reveal any problems, we may perform treatments such as extractions or other procedures to address dental disease. This is always done with your pet’s comfort and long-term health in mind.
Step 8: Recovery After the procedure, your pet is moved to a recovery area where they are monitored closely until they wake up fully. We provide heat support and keep them cozy to ensure a safe and comfortable recovery.
Step 9: Post-Procedure Care You’ll receive detailed instructions for caring for your pet’s teeth at home, along with any medications they may need. We’ll also let you know if follow-up care is recommended.
A COHAT is like a spa day for your pet’s mouth! It ensures they stay happy, healthy, and pain-free. Regular dental care prevents painful dental disease and keeps those tails wagging. If you have any questions, we’re always here to help!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why does my pet need a dental cleaning?Pets, like humans, can develop plaque, tartar, and gum disease, which can lead to pain, infection, or even tooth loss. Regular dental cleanings help keep their mouth healthy and can prevent serious health issues like heart or kidney problems linked to dental disease.
2. Why is anesthesia necessary for dental cleanings? Anesthesia ensures your pet stays still, comfortable, and stress-free while we thoroughly clean above and below the gumline. We are using sharp instruments and spraying water in the mouth. If the airway wasn't protected with a breathing tube, aspiration pneumonia would develop. It also allows us to safely take X-rays and perform treatments without causing pain or fear.
3. How often should my pet have a dental cleaning?Most pets benefit from annual dental cleanings, but this can vary depending on their age, breed, and oral health. Your veterinarian will recommend a schedule tailored to your pet’s needs.
4. Can’t my groomer or I just clean their teeth?Brushing your pet’s teeth at home is a great habit, but it doesn’t replace a professional cleaning. Groomers and pet parents can't access areas below the gumline, where plaque and tartar often cause the most damage.
5. How can I tell if my pet has dental problems?Signs include bad breath, difficulty eating, red or bleeding gums, and loose or discolored teeth. If you notice these symptoms, a veterinary dental exam is recommended.
6. Are dental X-rays really necessary?Yes, because more than 60% of dental disease occurs below the gumline where it’s invisible to the naked eye. X-rays help us diagnose problems like tooth root infections, fractures, or bone loss that may need treatment.
7. How much does a dental cleaning cost?The cost varies depending on your pet’s size, health, and any additional treatments needed. Your veterinarian can provide an estimate after examining your pet and discussing their specific needs.
8. Will my pet be in pain after a dental cleaning or procedure?We prioritize your pet's comfort and use pain relief as needed during and after the procedure. Most pets recover quickly and feel better if dental issues like infections or painful teeth are resolved.
9. What can I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth healthy?Daily brushing with pet-safe toothpaste is the best way to maintain oral health. Dental chews, water additives, and diets designed to reduce plaque can also help between cleanings.
10. Is dental disease really that serious for pets?Yes! Dental disease can cause significant pain, tooth loss, and infections that spread to vital organs like the heart, liver, or kidneys. Preventative care is key to ensuring your pet lives a longer, healthier life.
2. Why is anesthesia necessary for dental cleanings? Anesthesia ensures your pet stays still, comfortable, and stress-free while we thoroughly clean above and below the gumline. We are using sharp instruments and spraying water in the mouth. If the airway wasn't protected with a breathing tube, aspiration pneumonia would develop. It also allows us to safely take X-rays and perform treatments without causing pain or fear.
3. How often should my pet have a dental cleaning?Most pets benefit from annual dental cleanings, but this can vary depending on their age, breed, and oral health. Your veterinarian will recommend a schedule tailored to your pet’s needs.
4. Can’t my groomer or I just clean their teeth?Brushing your pet’s teeth at home is a great habit, but it doesn’t replace a professional cleaning. Groomers and pet parents can't access areas below the gumline, where plaque and tartar often cause the most damage.
5. How can I tell if my pet has dental problems?Signs include bad breath, difficulty eating, red or bleeding gums, and loose or discolored teeth. If you notice these symptoms, a veterinary dental exam is recommended.
6. Are dental X-rays really necessary?Yes, because more than 60% of dental disease occurs below the gumline where it’s invisible to the naked eye. X-rays help us diagnose problems like tooth root infections, fractures, or bone loss that may need treatment.
7. How much does a dental cleaning cost?The cost varies depending on your pet’s size, health, and any additional treatments needed. Your veterinarian can provide an estimate after examining your pet and discussing their specific needs.
8. Will my pet be in pain after a dental cleaning or procedure?We prioritize your pet's comfort and use pain relief as needed during and after the procedure. Most pets recover quickly and feel better if dental issues like infections or painful teeth are resolved.
9. What can I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth healthy?Daily brushing with pet-safe toothpaste is the best way to maintain oral health. Dental chews, water additives, and diets designed to reduce plaque can also help between cleanings.
10. Is dental disease really that serious for pets?Yes! Dental disease can cause significant pain, tooth loss, and infections that spread to vital organs like the heart, liver, or kidneys. Preventative care is key to ensuring your pet lives a longer, healthier life.
What to Expect on Dental Day
|
One Week Before: You’ll receive detailed instructions via email, and we’ll also call you to review them together.
Two Days Before: We’ll send a text message to remind you of your appointment. The Night Before Surgery: Feed your pet their normal dinner. The Morning of Surgery:
Drop-Off: You’ll be assigned a specific drop-off time, usually between 7:30am - 8:30am. At check-in, a technician will review final details with you and answer any last-minute questions. Doctor’s Exam: Every patient is examined first thing in the morning before anesthesia. This allows us to tailor their anesthetic plan and make sure there are no changes in their health status. Order of Procedures: Patients are treated based on their medical needs—not in the order they arrive. This ensures each pet receives the safest care possible. Going Home: All patients go home the same day. We monitor them closely throughout recovery and will assign you a pick-up time at drop-off, usually around 5:00 p.m. Updates: We do our best to text you when your pet starts and finishes their procedure. If you haven’t heard from us and want an update, please don’t hesitate to call—we’re always happy to talk with you. |
|
|
|
|
|
Services |
CONTACT US |
Text Us (833) 941-2722
|