Veterinary Dentistry & Dental Surgery
Dental Care For Dogs & Cats
Just like people, pets benefit from regular dental care to help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other health issues. Preventive dental care is an important part of maintaining your cat or dog’s overall health, but it is often overlooked.
At our veterinary hospital in Kamloops, we provide comprehensive dental services for cats and dogs, including exams, professional cleanings, X-rays, and, when necessary, dental surgeries.
Our team also offers guidance on keeping your pet’s mouth healthy at home, including proper brushing techniques and recommendations for dental care products tailored to your pet’s needs.
Teeth Cleaning & Examinations
Yearly dental checkups are essential for maintaining your pet’s overall health. Early detection of dental concerns can help prevent pain and stop more serious oral conditions from developing.
During your pet’s dental appointment, their veterinarian will examine their teeth and gums and clean their teeth if necessary. Depending on the findings, additional treatments such as extractions may be recommended.
A pet dental appointment typically involves the following:
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Pre-Anesthetic 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.
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Administering Anesthesia
Anesthesia is administered to all patients undergoing dental procedures. This allows us to do a thorough examination and cleaning as well as capturing any required X-rays safely and efficiently without undue stress on the pet.
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Oral Examination & Cleaning
Once your pet is under anesthesia, we will conduct a complete, tooth-by-tooth, oral examination and charting. Their teeth will cleaned and polished (including under the gum line) and X-rays may be taken. We then apply a fluoride treatment to each tooth, as well as dental sealant to prevent plaque from attaching to the enamel.
If any oral health concerns are discovered, the veterinarian will develop 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 two weeks after the initial appointment.
During this visit, we will discuss any concerns and provide advice on at-home care for your pet's teeth.
Dental Surgery for Dogs & Cats
Our Kamloops veterinarians provide dental surgery for cats and dogs when it is necessary, such as for broken or damaged teeth, extensive decay, or advanced periodontal disease.
We understand that hearing your pet may need surgery can be stressful. If your pet needs surgery, our team will explain the procedure to you clearly beforehand, including preparation, anesthesia, and post-operative care.
Throughout the procedure, your pet will receive anesthesia to ensure their comfort and the safety of our team. Additionally, we use a variety of gentle techniques to prioritize their safety and well-being at every stage.
Signs of Dental Health Issues in Pets
If you notice any of the following symptoms in your dog or cat, contact us to schedule a dental checkup:
- Bad breath
- Tartar buildup
- Pawing at the mouth or teeth
- Loose or broken teeth
- Drooling or bleeding from the mouth
- Refusal to eat or dropping food
- Discoloured teeth
- Swelling or pain around the mouth
FAQs About Pet Dental Care
To learn more about pet dental care read through our answers to these frequently asked questions from our clients.
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Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
Like us, dogs and cats can develop periodontal disease or tooth decay as a consequence of poor oral health. When our pets eat, plaque sticks to their teeth and can harden into tartar if not cleaned away regularly.
Annual veterinary dental care can help prevent conditions such as 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 vet for a dental checkup once a year. Pets that are more prone to dental problems than others may require more frequent appointments.
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How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
Dogs and cats experiencing dental problems may show one or more of the following signs: excessive drooling (may contain pus or blood), pawing at their mouth or teeth, repeated yawning, teeth grinding, reduced grooming, or dropping food from their mouth while eating.
Other signs of oral health problems may include bad breath, swollen gums, and tooth discolouration. Some pets may even stop eating.
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What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
As well as causing problems such as cavities, bad breath and periodontal disease, oral health issues and conditions may lead to disease in the liver, kidney, heart, and other areas throughout your pet'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 on a regular basis and providing dental chew toys can help to control the buildup of plaque. Speak to your veterinarian to learn more about caring for your dog or cat's teeth between veterinary appointments.
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Why does my pet require anesthesia for their dental appointment?
Cats and dogs are unable to understand what is going on during dental procedures, and will often react by struggling or biting. Using anesthesia puts less stress on pets and allows us to examine their mouth safely.
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What dental issues may require dental surgery as treatment?
Dental health issues which may require dental surgery include: cracked or broken teeth; tooth decay; severe gum disease (periodontitis); jaw fractures; temporomandibular joint (TMJ); luxation; or feline stomatitis.
New Patients Welcome
Tournament Valley Veterinary Hospital is welcoming new patients! Our veterinarians provide medical care for cats and dogs in Kamloops. Contact us today to schedule your pet’s first appointment.