Veterinary Dentistry & Dental Surgery
Comprehensive Veterinary Dentistry for Cats & Dogs
Routine dental care is a key component of your dog or cat's oral and overall health. However, most pets don't actually receive the oral hygiene care they need in order to keep their teeth and gums healthy and free from infection.
At our Cincinnati veterinary hospital, we provide complete dental care for your pet, from basics such as dental exams, teeth cleanings and polishing, to dental x-rays and surgeries.
We also make a point of providing dental health education to pet owners about home dental care for their pets.
Dental Surgery in Cincinnati
We know that finding your pet needs dental surgery can be a daunting and exhausting prospect. However, we strive to make the process as stress-free for you and your pet as possible
We will do everything we can to make sure your pet's experience of dental surgery is as comfortable and easy as possible We will walk through each step of the process with you in detail, including how you will need to prepare your pet and what kind fo post-operative care they will need.
We offer jaw fracture repair surgeries, tooth extractions, and gum disease treatment for dogs and cats.
Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams
Just like your own annual checkup at the dentist, your cat or dog should come in for a dental examination at least once per year. Pets who are more prone to oral health issues than other may need to come in more often than that.
Hyde Park Veterinary Clinic can assess, diagnose and treat dental health problems in cats and dogs.
- Symptoms
If you notice any of the following symptoms in your pet, it's time for a dental checkup.
- Discolored teeth
- Bad breath
- Tartar buildup
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Assessment
A thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment will be completed for your pet before the dental exam.
We will take blood and urine analyses to ensure it's safe for your pet to undergo anesthesia. Additional diagnostics, such as chest radiographs or an ECG may also be conducted.
Once your pet is under the effects of anesthesia, we will conduct a complete oral examination and charting.
- Treatment
Next, their teeth are both cleaned and polished (above and below their gum line) and x-rays will be taken to assess their oral structures. We will then pply a fluoride treatment to each tooth.
The final step is to apply a dental sealant to prevent plaque from attaching to the enamel. If advanced periodontal disease is found, the veterinarian will develop a treatment plan and discuss it with you.
- Prevention
Ideally, a follow-up examination will be scheduled two weeks after the initial assessment and treatment appointment.
During this visit, we will speak with you about implementing tooth brushing while at home. We will also be able to recommend products that might help to improve your pet's oral health.
FAQs About Pet Dental Care
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from our patients about pet dental care.
- Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
Our pets can develop periodontal disease or tooth decay as a consequence of poor oral health.
Just like in humans, when animals eat, plaque sticks to their teeth and can build up into tartar if not brushed away regularly.
This can lead to infections in the mouth, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and even loose or missing teeth. That's why regular dental care is essential to preventing pain or disease in the gums.
- How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
Did you know what your pet's behavior may actually be an indicator of their oral health? If your dog or cat is experiencing dental problems, they may drool excessively (and that drool may contain blood or pus). You may also notice them yawning excessively, grinding their teeth, ceasing to groom properly and pawing at their teeth or mouth.
Other signs of oral health problems include bad breath, swollen gums, and tooth discoloration. Some pets may even suffer from pain that keeps them from eating. Read more about symptoms to the left under Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams.
- What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
Besides causing problems ranging from cavities and bad breath to severe periodontal disease, oral health issues and conditions can lead to disease in the liver, kidney, heart, and other areas throughout your pet's body.
Cysts or tumors may develop. Your pet may also not feel well in general (if you've ever had a toothache, you know how it can affect your mood!). In addition, diseases related to oral health conditions can shorten the lifespan of your pet and cause significant pain.
This is why regular dental care is so essential to animals' physical health and wellbeing.
- What happens during a pet teeth cleaning appointment?
During your pet’s regular oral exam, the vet will examine his or her mouth and look for oral health conditions or any symptoms needing treatment.
Our vet will clean tartar as well as other debris from your dog or cat's teeth. if gingivitise, cavities or another oral health issue is detected, we will explain what they found and what action should be taken to address them.
In some cases, surgery will be needed to treat serious conditions. Your pet will be provided with anesthesia before their dental procedure to ensure they are comfortable and do not experience any pain. However, special care will be needed post-surgery.
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a dental appointment with us.
- What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
At home, you should brush your pet's teeth on a regular basis and give them dental chew toys. These will help eliminate plaque.
Do not allow them to chew on things that will damage their teeth, such as bones, toys or objects that are too hard. Always contact your vet with any questions or concerns regarding your pet's oral health.
Veterinary Dentistry: Anesthesia & Your Pet's Oral Health
Cats and dogs do not understand what is going on during dental procedures, and will often react to dental procedures by struggling or biting.
Similar to the anesthesia provided to nervous or anxious patients by dentists, our Cincinnati vets provide anesthesia to all of our patients before performing dental procedures. This puts less stress on the animals and allows us to x-ray their mouth as needed.
Looking for a veterinarian in Cincinnati?
Our vets are passionate about the health of Cincinnati cats and dogs. Get in touch today to request an appointment for your pet.