Veterinary Dental Services & Dental Surgery
Veterinary Dentists for Pets
Routine, comprehensive dental care for cats and dogs is a critical component of oral and overall health. That said, most pets don't receive the oral hygiene care they need to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
At our pet hospital in Dallas, we offer complete dental care for your pet, from basics such as teeth cleanings, dental exams and polishing to dental X-Rays and surgeries.
We also ensure our clients are educated about how to provide home dental care for their pets.
Dental Surgery in Dallas
We understand that learning that your pet needs dental surgery can feel overwhelming. We strive to make this process as stress-free as possible, for both you and your pet.
We'll do everything in our power to ensure your pet's experience with us is easy and comfortable. We'll explain each step of the process to you thoroughly before the procedure, including preparation and post-operative care needs.
We offer tooth extractions, gum diseases and jaw fracture repair surgeries for cats and dogs.
Veterinary Dental Services & Exams
Just like your annual checkup at the dentist, your cat or dog should see us for an examination by a veterinary dentist at least once each year. Pets who are more susceptible to dental issues than others may need to see us more often.
At North Tollway Pet Hospital, our vets can assess, diagnose and treat dental health problems in dogs and cats.
- Symptoms
If you notice any of the following symptoms in your pet, it's time for a dental checkup.
- Tartar buildup
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Bad breath
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Abnormal chewing, drooling or dropping food from the mouth
- Discolored teeth
- 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 may also be conducted.
Once your pet is under anesthesia, we will conduct a complete oral examination (tooth by tooth) and charting.
- Treatment
Next, the teeth are cleaned and polished (including under the gum line) and X-Rays are taken. We then apply a fluoride treatment to each tooth.
The final step is to apply a dental sealant to prevent plaque from attaching to the enamel. If advanced periodontal disease is found, the veterinarian will develop a treatment plan and discuss it with you.
- Prevention
Ideally, a follow-up examination will be scheduled two weeks after the initial assessment and treatment appointment.
During this visit, we will discuss implementing teeth brushing at home. We can also recommend products that can help improve your pet's oral health.
FAQs About Pet Dental Care
These are some of the most frequently asked questions we're received from our patients about pet dental care.
- Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
Tooth decay or periodontal disease can develop in our pets as a consequence of poor oral health.
Similar to humans, plaque sticks to animals' teeth when they eat and can build up into tartar if not regularly brushed away.
This may lead to infections in the mouth, tooth decay, periodontal disease and even loose or missing teeth. That's why regular dental care is critical to preventing pain or disease in the gums.
- How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
Did you know your pet's behavior can indicate oral health problems? If your pet is experiencing dental issues, they may drool excessively (and the drool may contain pus or blood), or you may notice them pawing at their teeth or mouth. They may also grind their teeth, stop grooming sufficiently or yawn excessively.
Other signs of oral health issues include swollen gums, tooth discoloration and bad breath. Some pets may even suffer from pain that prevents them from eating. Read more about symptoms under Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams.
- What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
In addition to causing problems ranging from bad breath and cavities to severe periodontal disease, oral health conditions and issues can lead to disease in the heart, liver, kidney and other areas in your pet's body.
Tumors or cysts may develop. Your pet may also feel generally unwell (if you've ever had a toothache, you know how it can spoil your mood). Diseases related to oral health conditions can also shorten your pet's lifespan and cause significant pain.
This is why it's imperative that pets receive regular dental care — it is essential to their health and well-being.
- What happens during a pet teeth cleaning appointment?
When your pet comes to see us for a regular oral exam, the veterinarian will check his or her mouth to look for oral health conditions or any symptoms that require treatment.
The vet will clear tartar and other debris from your dog or cat's teeth. If gingivitis, cavities or other conditions should be addressed, the vet will explain these to you and provide advice on which actions you can take.
In some cases, surgery will be required to treat serious conditions. Before their dental procedure, your pet will be provided with anesthesia to ensure they are comfortable and do not experience any pain. However, special care will be needed post-surgery.
If you notice any of these symptoms, book a dental appointment with us.
- What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
At home, brush your pet's teeth on a regular basis and give them dental chew toys to help remove plaque.
Do not allow them to chew on things that will damage their teeth, such as toys, objects or bones that are too hard. If you have any questions or concerns about your pet's oral health, always contact your vet.
Veterinary Dentistry: Anesthesia & Your Pet's Oral Health
Because cats and dogs do not understand what is going on during dental procedures, they will often react by biting or struggling.
Like the anesthesia a veterinary dentist provides to nervous or anxious patients, our vets in Dallas provide anesthesia to all of our patients before performing dental procedures. This puts less stress on the animals and allows us to X-Ray their mouth as required.
New Patients Welcome
North Tollway Pet Hospital is accepting new patients! Our vets are passionate about the health of Dallas companion animals. Get in touch today to book your pet's first appointment with us.