Pet dental health is an often overlooked but critical aspect of overall pet wellness. Just like humans, pets can develop plaque and tartar buildup on their teeth over time. If left untreated, this can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, and even infections that spread to other parts of the body. Regular professional dental cleanings and checkups are crucial for preventing these serious dental issues and keeping your pet's mouth healthy and pain-free.
With routine dental care, you can help prevent painful dental problems, difficulty eating, bad breath, and other issues in your furry friend. We recommend most pets get a complete oral health assessment and treatment (COHAT) every 6-12 months to stay on top of their oral hygiene.
It's important to keep an eye out for any signs of dental issues in your pet. If you notice any of the following signs, schedule a dental check-up for your pet as soon as possible:
Before your pet's COHAT, you can expect some pre-procedure preparation. Our veterinary team will perform a comprehensive physical exam on your pet and will recommend bloodwork and an ECG to ensure they are healthy enough to undergo anesthesia safely. Once cleared, your pet will be scheduled for their COHAT.
During the actual procedure, your pet will be under general anesthesia and comfortably sedated. This allows our team to thoroughly clean their teeth without causing any pain or distress. The COHAT involves scaling away plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth, both above and below the gum line. The oral cavity is examined for masses and abnormalities and then probed for pockets to assess periodontal disease. X-rays of the teeth and jaws are taken and reviewed for any underlying issues. The teeth are then polished to create a smooth surface that delays future buildup. We perform a full oral exam, checking for any signs of dental disease like tooth decay, gum disease, or other abnormalities. If any severely damaged teeth are discovered, they may need to be extracted during the procedure.
After the procedure, your pet will be closely monitored as they wake up from the anesthesia. We will provide you with detailed home-care instructions, such as giving pain medication to manage discomfort, antibiotics if necessary, and sticking to a soft diet for a few days to allow the mouth to heal properly. Limited activity may also be recommended initially. We will schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure your pet's mouth is healing well from the dental work. With proper professional dental care and at-home maintenance, you can help keep your furry friend's smile looking and feeling great.
The frequency of recommended COHATs can vary, but we typically recommend having your pet's teeth professionally cleaned every 6 to 12 months starting at the age of 2-3 years old. Some pets who are more prone to dental issues may need even more frequent cleanings on a personalized schedule.
Factors like your pet's age, breed, diet, and overall dental health history can impact how quickly plaque and tartar buildup between cleanings. During your pet's annual wellness visit, our veterinary team will examine their mouth and let you know if it's time for a dental cleaning procedure based on the condition of their teeth and gums. Sticking to this schedule of regular dental exams and cleanings is crucial for preventing painful conditions like gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss in pets. Don't wait until your furry friend shows obvious signs of dental problems - stay proactive about oral hygiene with routine professional dental care.
At our Boca Raton veterinary center, we use veterinary digital dental radiographs, also known as digital dental x-rays, during our dental exams. This form of imaging allows our veterinarians to see detailed images of your pet's teeth, roots, and surrounding structures. This technology uses digital sensors instead of traditional film, allowing for faster and more accurate results. The images can be viewed on a computer screen, making it easier for veterinarians to analyze and diagnose any dental issues.
There are several reasons why veterinary digital dental radiographs are used in animal dentistry. These detailed X-ray images allow veterinarians to thoroughly examine a pet's entire oral cavity in a way that isn't possible with the naked eye alone. While traditional visual exams are still important, many dental issues can go completely undetected without radiographs since they may be hidden beneath the gum line or inside the teeth and jaw bones.
With digital dental X-rays, vets can discover fractured teeth, abscesses in the tooth roots, retained primary or baby teeth, cysts, or tumors in the jaw—problems that could be excruciatingly painful for the pet if left undiagnosed. Radiographs also help guide treatment by providing a view of the entire tooth structure, alerting the vet to issues like impacted teeth that need extraction. This imaging is particularly crucial for aging pets, whose dental issues often become more complex over time.
Moreover, radiographs allow vets to establish a baseline for the pet's oral health that can be referred back to during future exams to monitor the progression of any problems. Digital dental X-rays are an indispensable diagnostic tool for catching issues early and providing comprehensive oral treatment for pets at any age.
While regular brushing is the best way to keep your dog's teeth clean, there are other things you can do between dental exams to help keep their smile shining.
Here are some tips for at-home dental care for your dog:
By following these tips, you can help keep your dog's smile healthy and sparkling!
Phone: 561-999-3000
