Comprehensive Pet Dental Care
Routine pet dental care is critical for the oral and overall health of cats and dogs, but the majority of pets do not receive the oral hygiene care necessary to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
We provide comprehensive dog & cat dental care at our Springfield veterinary hospital, from routine dental exams, teeth cleanings, and polishing to dental x-rays and surgery.
Additionally, we make a point of educating pet owners about proper at-home dental care for their pets.
Pet Dental Surgery in Springfield
We know how stressful it is to learn your pet requires dental surgery. Both you and your pet will be relieved of stress during this process.
We'll do everything we can to make your pet's stay with us as pleasant as possible. Before the procedure, we'll go over each step in detail with you, including the preparation and post-operative care requirements.
For dogs and cats, we provide jaw fracture repair surgeries, tooth extractions, and gum disease treatment.
Cat & Dog Teeth Cleaning & Exams
Your dog or cat should have a dental examination at least once a year, just like you do. Pets who are more prone to dental problems than others may require more frequent visits.
Noll Veterinary Hospital is capable of assessing, diagnosing, and treating dental health issues in cats and dogs.
- Symptoms
If your pet exhibits any of the signs listed below, it's time for a dental examination.
- Tartar buildup
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Bad breath
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Abnormal chewing, drooling or dropping food from the mouth
- Discolored teeth
- Assessment
Prior to the dental exam, your pet will undergo a thorough pre-anesthetic physical examination.
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.
After anesthesia, we will chart and examine your pet's mouth tooth by tooth.
- Treatment
After that, x-rays are taken and the teeth are cleaned and polished (including under the gum line). Each tooth is then given a fluoride treatment.
To prevent plaque from adhering to the enamel, the final step is to apply a dental sealant. If advanced periodontal disease is discovered, the veterinarian will develop and discuss a treatment plan with you.
- Prevention
A follow-up examination should ideally be scheduled two weeks after the initial evaluation and treatment appointment.
During this visit, we will talk about how to brush your teeth at home. We can also recommend products that will help your pet's oral health.
FAQs About Pet Dental Care
We've compiled a list of some of the most frequently asked questions we get from pet owners.
- Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
As a result of poor oral health, our pets may develop periodontal disease or tooth decay.
As with humans, when animals eat, plaque adheres to their teeth and can harden into tartar if not brushed away on a regular basis.
This can result in oral infections, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and even missing or loose teeth. That is why routine dental care is critical for preventing gum pain and disease.
- How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
Did you know that oral health issues can manifest in behavior? They drool excessively (with pus or blood) and paw at their mouth or teeth if they have dental issues (see below). They may also yawn too much, grind their teeth, or stop grooming.
Bad breath, swollen gums, and tooth discoloration are all symptoms of oral health issues.
It's possible that your pet is in pain and can't eat. See symptoms under Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams on the left side.
- What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
Oral health issues and conditions can cause disease in the liver, kidney, heart, and other organs throughout your pet's body, in addition to cavities and bad breath.
Cysts or tumors can form. Your pet may also be in a bad mood (if you've ever had a toothache, you know how bad it can make you feel!). Furthermore, diseases associated with oral health issues can shorten your pet's lifespan and cause significant pain.
This is why dental care is so important for the physical health and well-being of animals.
- What happens during a pet tooth cleaning appointment?
During your pet's routine oral exam, the veterinarian will examine his or her mouth for oral health conditions or any symptoms that require treatment.
Tartar and other debris will be removed from your cat's or dog's teeth by the veterinarian. If cavities, gingivitis, or other conditions need to be addressed, the veterinarian will explain them to you and advise you on what steps to take.
Surgery may be required in some cases to treat serious conditions. Anesthesia will be administered to your pet prior to the dental procedure to ensure that they are comfortable and pain-free. However, special care will be required following surgery.
If you notice any of these symptoms, please contact us right away.
- What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
Brushing your pet's teeth and providing dental chew toys are important at home. These are going to be beneficial in getting rid of plaque.
Make sure they can't get their teeth damaged by chewing on things like bones, toys, or anything too hard. If you have any questions or concerns about your pet's oral health, you should always contact your veterinarian.
Veterinary Dentistry: Anesthesia & Your Pet's Oral Health
Cats and dogs have no concept of what is occurring during dental procedures and frequently react by struggling or biting.
Our Springfield vet provides anesthesia to all patients before performing dental procedures, just like dentists do. This puts less stress on the animals and lets X-raying happen without issue.