Dentistry

Dental disease is common in both dogs and cats. The result is PAIN, INFECTION and FOUL BREATH.

Periodontal Disease

PERIODONTAL DISEASE is one of the most common diseases we diagnose in pets today. Plaque and tartar that build up on your pet's teeth harbour bacteria, infecting gum tissue and the roots of the teeth. This causes bad breath, pain, disease and tooth loss. Even worse, these bacteria enter the bloodstream through the gums. At this stage bacteria from the mouth infection have a clear path to the animal's bloodstream and vital organs such as kidneys, liver, lungs, heart and brain.   Damage to these organs, caused by infections, can shorten the lives of dogs and cats. It is a fact that animals with dental disease that receive treatment can live up to 2 YEARS LONGER than pets that don't receive treatment.

The most important part of the procedure is the cleaning of areas below the gumline (periodontal work). In order to do this, anesthesia is necessary as most pets won't sit in the dental chair voluntarily. Blood is drawn before anesthesia to evaluate blood cell counts and organ function.   This tells us whether the vital organs can handle anesthetics   properly.   We also use modern anesthetics that are eliminated quickly by your pet. In addition, all our dental patients receive I.V. fluids which further speeds the exit of anesthetic in order to make the procedure as safe as possible. State-of-the-art equipment is also used along with highly trained nurses to monitor your pet through the entire procedure and during recovery.

When periodontal disease is left untreated, the removal of infected or damaged teeth is sometimes necessary. Our goal however, is to save as many of your pet's teeth as possible.   Dental x-rays provide us with a clear view of the teeth, their roots and the jaw bone.   We can then make the best decision regarding the care of each tooth.

Maintaining good oral hygiene takes some commitment from you, the owner. While tooth brushing is best, there are many products available to aid in home dental care including enzyme chews, oral rinses and special kibble.   Please ask our staff about the option that will work best for your pet.

Dental Products

To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Petworks, call 435-2444