Comprehensive Dog & Cat Dental Care
Routine pet dental health care is a key component of dogs' and cats' overall and oral health, however, most pets don't actually receive the care they need to keep their gums and teeth healthy.
At our Moreno Valley 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 are also committed to providing dental health care education to our clients about home dental care for their pets.
Dog & Cat Dental Surgery in Moreno Valley
We know that discovering your pet requires dental surgery can be an overwhelming experience. We strive to make this process as tress-free and comfortable as possible, for both you and your pet.
We'll do everything we can to ensure your pet's experience with us is comfortable and easy. We'll break down each step of the process to you in detail before the procedure, including preparation and post-operative care requirements.
Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams
Just like at your own annual checkup with your dentist, your cat or dog should come in for a dental examination at least once a year. Pets who are prone to dental health issues may require a visit more often.
Sunnymead 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.
- Tartar buildup
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Bad breath
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
- Discolored teeth
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- 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 anesthesia, we will conduct a complete oral examination (tooth by tooth) and charting.
- Treatment
Next, teeth are cleaned and polished (both above and below the gum line) and we will take x-rays of your pet's teeth. We will then apply a fluoride solution to each of your companion's teeth.
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 with us, our vets will discuss implementing tooth-brushing while at home. We will also be able to recommend products for you to use in order 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 behavior may be an indication of oral health problems? If your pet is experiencing dental problems, they drool excessively (and the drool may contain pus or blood), or you may notice them pawing at their mouth or teeth. They may also yawn excessively, grind their teeth, or stop grooming sufficiently.
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?
In top of causing problems ranging from cavities and bad breathe to oral health issues, periodontal disease, oral health conditions can cause disease in your pet's kidneys, liver, heart and liver.
Your pet may develop tumors or cysts, or just feel generally unwell. As well, disease which are related to oral health conditions can shorten your pet's lifespan and cause them 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 examination, your vet will examine your companion's mouth in order to search for oral health conditions and symptoms which may need treatment.
The vet will clean tartar and other debris from your cat's or dog's teeth. If cavities, gingivitis, or other conditions need to be addressed, the vet will explain these to you and provide advice on which actions you should take.
In some instances, surgery will be required to treat serious conditions. Your pet will be provided with anesthesia before their procedure in order to ensure that they are comfortable and don't experience any pain. You will also have to provide your pet with some special care 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 Moreno Valley 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.