A Healthy Smile for a Healthier Pet
Pets require regular dental care to maintain optimal health and well-being. While you may not have complete control over your pet's overall health, you can significantly impact their oral hygiene. Good dental care is essential for preventing painful infections and serious health complications.
Signs of Dental Trouble
Pet owners can watch out for a few symptoms that might indicate their pet needs professional dental care.
- Bad Breath: Persistent bad breath is often a sign of underlying dental issues.
- Discomfort: Difficulty chewing or eating can indicate dental pain.
- Swollen Gums or Face: These are signs of potential infection or abscess.
- Tartar Buildup: Visible tartar on your pet's teeth requires professional attention.
Our Dental Care Process
At Crossover Veterinary Clinic, we offer comprehensive dental care tailored to your pet's needs.
Dental X-Rays and Cleaning
We perform dental X-rays and cleanings under anesthesia to ensure a thorough examination and treatment of your pet's teeth. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork to assess your pet's health and minimize any risks associated with anesthesia is highly recommended.
Anesthesia and Monitoring
To prepare your pet for anesthesia, we provide premedications the night before to reduce nausea and anxiety. On the morning of the procedure, your pet receives another dose of anxiety medication. Before the procedure, we conduct a presurgical exam, including listening to your pet’s heart, to ensure they are in good condition for anesthesia.
During the procedure, your pet will have an IV catheter, and we continuously monitor vital signs such as pulse, temperature, and oxygen saturation. Our dedicated team, which consists of a doctor and two technicians, ensures your pet’s safety and comfort throughout the process, and uses a warming blanket to maintain body temperature.
Detailed Dental Examination and Cleaning
While your pet is under anesthesia, we perform a detailed examination, including dental X-rays and charting of each tooth. We check for gingival recession and pockets, and based on these findings, the doctor develops a treatment plan, which may include extractions if necessary. After the examination, we clean, polish, and apply a sealant to your pet’s teeth to protect against future dental issues.
Pain Management and Aftercare
Post-procedure, we administer pain medication and use local dental blocks to alleviate pain before any extractions. Most pets go home in the early afternoon with a comprehensive care guide. We will follow up to ensure your pet is recovering well.
Setting Puppies and Kittens Up for Success
We pay special attention to puppies and kittens as they transition from baby teeth to adult teeth. Sometimes, baby teeth don’t align with adult teeth properly and need to be removed to prevent issues. During their series of checkups, we monitor their dental development to ensure a lifetime of good oral health.
Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential for any pet’s health, no matter what age. Don’t wait for signs of dental disease to appear. Schedule an appointment today and take the first step towards supporting your pet’s overall health.