Dental Cleanings & Oral Surgery
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The Importance of Annual Dental Cleanings:
Beginning at age one, your pet should have annual dental examinations and routine cleanings performed by a veterinarian. A thorough cleaning removes plaque and tarter below and above the gum line. This proactive treatment is aimed at maintaining the natural oral defenses so that periodontal disease and other dental problems have a harder time becoming established. Dental cleanings are performed under general anesthesia, and involves cleaning the surface of each tooth and scaling below the gum line, where food, bacteria, and tartar build up. Preventative At Home Care: In addition to annual dental exams and cleanings, our clinic also offers a variety of different items you can utilize at home to promote good oral hygiene. We offer a variety of dental chews, tooth brushes, and toothpaste that you can take home to your pet to help prevent future disease. Dental X-Ray: Our clinic offers dental radiographs (x-rays) as part of our dental care services. Specifically designed dental radiology equipment allows our veterinarians to view structures that lie below the gum line. The location of tooth root infections, the extent of periodontal bone loss and the identification of bone cysts and tumors can be identified using dental x-rays. With this knowledge the best decisions can be made in the treatment of your pet. Anesthesia is required for dental x-rays. A small x-ray film or dental x-ray sensor is placed in the mouth. A movable dental x-ray machine is adjusted to project x-rays through the tooth and jaw onto the plate. The image can then be used to make a diagnosis. Treatment can be carried out immediately, or scheduled for a later date based on the decision reached by you and your pet's veterinarian. |