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Dentistry

Annual dental exams and cleanings are recommended to protect your pet from many health problems and help them maintain a healthy and clean mouth.

Overview

Studies show that 50% of all dogs and cats have some form of periodontal disease. That number jumps to 80% in pets that are 3 years of age or older. If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause infection, pain, and tooth loss over time. It can also lead to serious health problems like microscopic changes in the heart, liver, and kidneys. Because of this, we recommend an annual veterinary dental healthcare examination for all pets.

Why do pets need dental care?

Many health problems start in the mouth. Plaque, tartar, periodontal disease, and infected teeth serve as a source of inflammation and infection for the rest of the body.

Dental disease is one of the most common problems that we see in dogs and cats. It can cause drooling, reluctance to eat, swelling, bad breath, redness of the gums, loose teeth and tooth discoloration.

When should I seek dental care for my pet?

Dental issues and dental related diseases can easily be prevented by visiting our veterinarians regularly for dental examinations and cleanings. We take a comprehensive approach to dental care including dental health assessment, treatment, and prevention.

Keep an eye out for these common symptoms of periodontal disease:

  • Smelly breath

  • Excessive drooling

  • Blood in your pet’s saliva or water dish

  • Difficulty or avoiding eating

Any of the above symptoms can indicate your pet is suffering from some form of periodontal disease. Don’t wait for it to progress before getting help! Your veterinarian in Everett is here to help keep your pet smiling for many years to come.

How does it work?

Teeth Exams, Cleaning and Polishing

Dog and cat dental cleanings are very similar to human dental cleanings, except that we are required to use anesthesia to properly and safely examine and clean the teeth. After the cleaning, our veterinarians perform a thorough oral exam and check for signs of disease like gum loss, root exposure, or pockets around the root.

Also similar to human dentistry, we do full mouth radiographs (x-rays) of your pet. This allows our veterinarians to be able to evaluate the roots of your pet's teeth as well as any disease or abnormalities that are located below the gum line and not visible on examination alone.

Tooth Extractions

We make every effort to save teeth that we feel have a chance to be successfully treated. In many circumstances, however, periodontal disease is so advanced that treatment without extraction is unsuccessful. We only extract teeth that in the doctor's opinion are beyond saving.

Minor Oral Surgery

Many teeth require oral surgery to safely remove each individual root. We have extensive training and experience to perform these procedures properly. Pain medications are administered in clinic and provided for in-home aftercare.

Professional Dental Cleaning at Diamond Veterinary Hospital

When we examine your pet’s mouth as part of their regular wellness exam, we may recommend a professional dental cleaning in order to treat periodontal disease. Dental cleaning for pets involves general anesthesia so our veterinary team can fully clean your pet’s teeth. As an AAHA accredited animal hospital, our surgical suite is fully equipped with the latest anesthesia monitoring equipment to keep your pet safe throughout their cleaning.

During your pet’s dental cleaning at Diamond Veterinary Hospital, one of our highly trained veterinarians in Everett will use tools similar to those used by human dentists to scale the plaque from your pet’s teeth and polish the enamel. We will also apply an anti-plaque treatment, such as fluoride, to your pet’s teeth to help deter future plaque buildup. Once your pet’s teeth are shiny and clean again, we’ll help you learn how to care for their teeth at home so you can avoid future dental problems.