Veterinary Dentistry & Dental Surgery in Cave Creek

Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams

Similar to your yearly checkup at the dentist, cats and dogs should see their vet for a dental examination once a year at the minimum. Pets that are more prone to dental issues than others might have to go to the vet more often. 

Our Animal Health Services of Cave Creek vets are able to evaluate, diagnose and treat dental health problems in cats and dogs. 

• Symptoms

  If you see any of the symptoms below in your pet, they need a dental checkup.

  • Bad breath 
  • Tartar buildup
  • Discolored teeth
  • Loose and/or broken teeth
  • Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
  • Bleeding from the mouth
  • Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
  • Abnormal chewing, drooling or dropping food from the mouth 
  • Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
     

  Contact Us to Book a Dental Checkup
• Assessment

  We will complete a comprehensive pre-anesthetic physical assessment for your pet prior to their dental exam. 

  We will perform blood tests to make sure it's safe for your cat or dog to undergo anesthesia. Additional diagnostics, such as chest radiographs or an ECG could also be implemented. 

  When your pet is comfortably under anesthesia, your vet will conduct a full oral examination (tooth by tooth) and charting. 

• Treatment

  Then, the teeth are cleaned and polished (including under the gum line), and X-rays are taken. After this, we apply a fluoride treatment to every tooth. 

  The last step of the process is step is to apply a dental sealant to keep plaque from building up and attaching to the enamel. If your vet finds advanced periodontal disease they will establish a treatment plan and explain it to you. 

• Prevention

  It's ideal to schedule a follow-up examination for two weeks after the initial assessment and treatment appointment. 

  At this visit, our team will talk to you about implementing at-home teeth brushing. We can also recommend products that could help improve your cat or dog's oral health. 

FAQs About Pet Dental Care

Below are some of the questions most frequently asked by our patients regarding pet dental care.

• Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?

  Cats and Dogs can develop periodontal disease or tooth decay as a result of poor oral health. 

  Like people, when our pets eat, plaque sticks to their teeth and can build up into tartar if it isn't brushed away daily. 

  This could cause infections in the mouth, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and potentially missing or loose teeth. This makes dental care essential to preventing pain or disease in the gums.

• How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?

  If your pet is suffering from a dental problem, they could stop grooming sufficiently, drool excessively (the drool could contain blood or pus), paw at their teeth or mouth, excessively yawn, or grind their teeth.

  Other signs of dental health problems are tooth discoloration, swollen gums, and bad breath. Sometimes pets can even suffer from pain that keeps them from eating. Learn more about the symptoms of oral health problems to the left under Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams. 

• What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?

  Other than causing problems such as bad breath, cavities, and severe periodontal disease, oral health problems and conditions can cause disease in the kidneys, liver, heart, and other areas throughout your cat or dog's body. 

  Cysts or tumors may develop. Your pet might also not feel well in general. On top of this, diseases related to oral health issues can shorten the lifespan of your pet and cause them significant pain. 

  This makes routine dental care very important for your pet's well-being and physical health.

• What happens during a pet teeth cleaning appointment?

  During your pet’s regular oral exam, the vet will examine your cat or dog's mouth, looking for signs of an oral health condition or for any symptoms that require treatment.

  Your vet will clean tartar and other debris from your animal's teeth. If they find cavities, gingivitis, or other conditions that have to be addressed, they will explain these to you and offer advice on the actions you should take. 

  In some cases, surgery will be needed to treat serious conditions. Your pet will be provided with anesthesia before their dental procedure to ensure they are comfortable and do not experience any pain. However, special care will be needed post-surgery. 

  If you see any of these symptoms in your pet, book an appointment with us as soon as you can.

• What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?

  At home, you should brush your cat or dog's teeth routinely and provide them dental chew toys to help eliminate plaque. 

  Don't let your pet 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.