Dental Care
Is your pet experiencing bad breath or excessive drooling? Have you noticed him/her pawing at the mouth? Does your pet seem hesitant to eat or does chewing seem painful? These are symptoms of dental disease, along with yellow teeth and bleeding gums.
Besides just BAD BREATH, dental disease:
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Releases bacteria in the blood stream
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Increases risk for heart, liver and kidney disease
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Can cause severe pain and problems for your pet
Pets need regular dental cleanings to increase quality and length of life. Having these performed regularly:
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Allow to chart and evaluate dental disease over time
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Reduces the need for more advanced and expensive treatment the future
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Reduces need for teeth extractions (pulling)
Dental disease is THE most common disease in dogs. Recent studies show that 85% of cats and 92% of dogs over age 3 have dental disease. It is the most common disease seen at Helena Veterinary Clinic. Annual dental cleanings can add 2-4 years to your pet’s life!
Our veterinarians and staff offer the latest in technology and techniques
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Dental cleaning (scaling) and polishing
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Routine tooth extractions
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Surgical tooth extractions
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Deciduous "baby teeth" extractions
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Orinasal fistula repair
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Gingival surgery using radiosurgery or laser surgery
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Full mouth extractions
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Oral surgery
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Fracture repair of the jaw
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Mandibulectomy
What Happens During My Pet’s Dental Cleaning?
A thorough dental cleaning can only be accomplished while the pet is under general anesthesia. The anesthesia we use is safe for all animals and your pet’s respiration, heart rate and oxygen saturation is monitored before, during and after the dental procedure.
Prior to anesthesia, blood tests are performed to help uncover any hidden illnesses. Illnesses that may have us review the health of your pet to make sure that anesthetizing is safe for him/her and that we can proceed with the dental procedure. A professional cleaning (sometimes called a prophylaxis) removes plaque and tartar from the teeth. Your pet's entire mouth health (teeth, tongue, gums, and lips) will be examined and assessed.
