Pet Comprehensive Dentistry

Regular pet dentistry does more than give your companion a winning smile. At Good Life Veterinary Care, our comprehensive pet dental services keep your best friend’s mouth free of plaque, tartar, and infections to safeguard their overall health.

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Pet Dentistry

Ongoing dental care is essential for pets, just like humans. Pets can develop dental issues that cause discomfort and more severe health problems without proper attention. Our pet dentistry services focus on preventive care, addressing issues before they escalate into more significant concerns.

Services We Offer

  • Pet Dental Exams: Our experienced veterinarians perform thorough dental exams to assess your pet’s oral health. We check for signs of periodontal disease, tooth decay, and other dental issues.
  • Dog Teeth Cleaning: Professional dog teeth cleaning is crucial for removing plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
  • Tooth Extractions: In cases of severe dental disease or injury, we may recommend tooth extractions to alleviate pain and prevent further complications.
  • Dental X-rays: We utilize advanced technology to detect hidden dental issues beneath the gum line, allowing for more accurate diagnosis and treatment.
A dog's teeth being examined at the vet

How do I know if my pet needs their teeth cleaned?

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Recognizing the signs that your pet may need dental care is essential for oral health. Some common symptoms of dental issues in pets include:

Key Services Offered

  • Lousy Breath: Persistent bad breath can indicate the presence of dental disease or infection.
  • Difficulty Eating: If your pet is experiencing pain while eating or is reluctant to chew, it may be due to dental issues.
  • Visible Tartar Buildup: Yellow or brown tartar on your pet’s teeth indicates plaque accumulation and may indicate the need for professional cleaning.
  • Swollen or Bleeding Gums: Inflamed or bleeding gums can be a sign of periodontal disease, which requires prompt attention from a pet dentist.
  • Loose or Missing Teeth: Loose or missing teeth can indicate advanced dental disease and may require extraction to prevent further complications.

What are the benefit of a dental cleaning?

Investing in your pet’s dental health offers numerous benefits, including:

  • Improved Oral Health: Regular dental care helps prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health issues.
  • Pain Relief: Addressing dental issues promptly can alleviate pain and discomfort for your pet.
  • Prevention of Serious Health Problems: Dental disease has been linked to systemic health issues in pets, including heart and kidney problems. Maintaining your pet’s oral health can help prevent these severe conditions.
  • Enhanced Quality of Life: A healthy mouth contributes to your pet’s overall well-being, ensuring they can enjoy their favorite activities without discomfort.

What needs to be done prior to the dental procedure?

Conducting a thorough physical exam and pre-anesthetic blood testing helps ensure your pet’s well-being. We assess white and red blood cell levels, platelets, and organ functionality to mitigate potential risks.

My pet gets their teeth brushed at home and at the groomer. Why do they need an anesthetic dental cleaning?

Brushing at home is an excellent way to maintain dental health, just like for humans. But also just like with humans, even regular brushing can’t accomplish the more in-depth cleaning available from a dental professional.

When your pet is under anesthesia, veterinarians can perform a thorough examination of their oral health, including full mouth X-rays and checking each tooth which isn’t something that the majority of animals would be willing to tolerate awake, especially if there is a fractured or broken tooth.

Secondly, anesthetic dental cleanings allow for a more thorough cleaning of your dog’s teeth, both above and below the gumline. This is important because plaque and tartar buildup below the gumline can lead to serious dental issues if not addressed properly. While brushing your dog’s teeth at home can help remove some plaque from the tooth surfaces, it may not effectively reach the areas below the gumline where bacteria thrive.

After a dental cleaning at our office though, daily brushing at home (with pet-safe toothpaste!) can help extend the time between cleanings. We’re happy to show you steps to acclimate your pet to teeth brushing when you’re in the office.