Veterinary Dentistry & Dental Surgery
The Gloucester Veterinary Hospital team is proud to provide dental care services that your dog or cat needs to help restore and maintain their pearly whites.
Oral Health Care For Dogs & Cats
Similar to our own dental checkups, veterinary dental services can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease that lead to painful health issues. Despite this, cats and dogs tend to receive little preventive dental care.
Regular dental care can help preserve your pet's oral health, but preventive dental care is rarely prioritized. Painful dental issues and periodontal disease can develop if your dog or cat's teeth are not taken care of.
At our Orléans veterinary hospital, we deliver standard dental services like oral exams, teeth cleanings and teeth polishing. We also perform more advanced procedures like dental X-rays and surgeries.
Dental Surgery for Cats & Dogs in Orléans
At Gloucester Veterinary Hospital, we provide pets with dental surgeries like tooth extractions, jaw fracture repair surgeries, and periodontal disease treatment.
Your pet will be provided with anesthesia prior to their dental surgery to make sure they are comfortable and do not experience any pain. We'll carefully explain each step of the dental surgery to you before the procedure, including preparation and post-operative care requirements.
Teeth Cleaning & Exams
Yearly dental checkups are an important factor when it comes to caring for your dog or cat's general health. Detecting oral health issues early can help prevent your pet from experiencing pain or discomfort as a result of tooth decay, broken teeth or periodontal disease.
Your pet's dental care will require two or more appointments, and they typically involve the following:
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Pre-Anesthetic Assessment
An in-depth pre-anesthetic physical assessment will be performed for your pet before the dental examination.
We will take blood and urine for analyses to ensure your pet can safely undergo anesthesia. Additional diagnostic tests, such as chest radiographs or an ECG may also be conducted.
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Administering Anesthesia
Anesthesia is administered to all patients that undergo dental procedures. This allows us to complete a thorough examination and cleaning, while capturing any required X-rays safely without undue stress on your pet.
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Oral Exam & Cleaning
Once your cat or dog is under anesthesia, X-rays may be taken. We will then conduct a tooth-by-tooth oral examination and charting. Your pet's teeth will cleaned and polished (including under the gum line). We then apply a fluoride treatment to each tooth, as well as dental sealant to prevent plaque from attaching to the enamel.
If an oral health issue is found, your veterinarian will design a custom treatment plan, which may include dental surgery, and discuss it with you.
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Follow-up Exam & Home Care
Your veterinarian may recommend a follow-up examination be scheduled a couple weeks after the appointment.
During this visit, we will talk through any of your concerns and provide advice on maintaining your pet's teeth from the comfort of your home.
FAQs About Pet Dental Care
Take a look at the answers to our frequently asked dental questions below.
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Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
Just like humans, dogs and cats can develop periodontal disease or tooth decay due to poor oral health. When animals eat, plaque gets stuck to their teeth and can turn into tartar if not cleaned away consistently.
Annual veterinary dental care helps prevent issues like periodontal disease, tooth decay, and even loose or missing teeth.
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How often does my pets need their teeth cleaned?
We recommend that most dogs and cats see a veterinarian for a dental checkup every year. Pets who are prone to dental problems may require more regular appointments.
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How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
Pets experiencing dental issues may show one of the following symptoms:
- Bad breath
- Tartar buildup
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Swollen gums
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Discoloured teeth
- Teeth grinding
- Repeated yawning
- Pawing at their mouth or teeth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Abnormal chewing
- Excessive drooling
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Dropping food from the mouth
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What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
In addition to causing problems like cavities, bad breath and periodontal disease, oral health issues may lead to disease in the liver, kidney, heart, and other areas in your cat or dog's body.
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What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
Brushing your pet's teeth regularly, and providing dental chew toys can help control plaque buildup. Contact us to book an appointment where your veterinarian can teach you about caring for your dog or cat's teeth in between dental checkups.
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Why does my pet require anesthesia for their dental appointment?
Cats and dogs do not understand what is happening during dental procedures, and will often react by by struggling or biting. Using anesthesia puts less stress on pets and allows us to examine their mouth safely and effectively.
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What dental issues may require dental surgery as treatment?
Oral health problems that can require dental surgery include: cracked or broken teeth; tooth decay; severe gum disease (periodontitis); jaw fractures; temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders; luxation; or dysplasia feline stomatitis.