Comprehensive Pet Dental Care for Cats & Dogs
Routine dental care is important for your pet's oral and overall health, but most pets don't get the dental care they need.
At our Westfield veterinary hospital, we offer everything from routine dental exams to dental surgery and x-rays.
We also educate pet owners on how to properly care for their pets' teeth at home.
Dental Surgery in Westfield
We understand how stressful it can be to learn that your pet requires dental surgery. We strive to make this a stress-free experience for both you and your pet.
We'll do everything we can to make your pet's stay with us as pleasant and easy as possible. Before the procedure, we will go over each step of the procedure with you in detail, including the preparation and post-operative care requirements.
For dogs and cats, we provide jaw fracture repair surgeries, tooth extractions, and gum disease treatment.
Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams
Your pet's dental checkup should be done on a yearly basis, just like you would go to the dentist for your own checkup. Some pets, such as those who are predisposed to dental disease, may require more frequent visits to our clinic.
When it comes to dental health issues, Westfield Animal Hospital has you covered.
- Symptoms
If your pet exhibits any of the following symptoms, 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
Before the dental exam, your pet will have a thorough pre-anesthetic physical 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.
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
You can find answers to the most frequently asked questions about pet dental care below.
- 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'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 that oral health issues can affect behavior? Dental issues cause excessive drooling (which may contain pus or blood) or pawing at the mouth or teeth. They might yawn too much, grind their teeth, or stop grooming.
Oral health issues include bad breath, swollen gums, and tooth discoloration.
Some pets may be in pain and unable to eat. See symptoms under Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams.
- 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. Plaque can be removed by using these.
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 Westfield vets provide anesthesia to all patients before performing dental procedures, just like dentists do. X-raying their mouth as needed reduces stress on the animals.
