There veterinary team at North Wake Animal Hospital provides restorative and preventative dental health care and surgical care for dogs and cats.
Comprehensive Dental Care for Cats & Dogs
Routine dental care, both at home and at dental checkups, is a key part of your pet's oral and overall health. However, most pets don't receive the care they need to keep their gums and their teeth healthy.
At our veterinary hospital. we provide comprehensive dental care for your pet, ranging from the basics like dental exams, to teeth polishing, cleaning and surgeries for Wake Forest pets.
We are also passionate about dental health education about home dental care for pet owners.
Dental Surgery in Wake Forest
We know that discovering that your pet needs dental surgery can be an overwhelming experience. We endeavor to make this process as stress-free as possible for your pet and you.
We'll do all we can to make sure that your beloved pet's experience with us is comfortable and straightforward. We will break down each step of the process for you before we begin the procedure. This will include any pre or post-operative care requirements you will have to provide for your pet.
We offer jaw fracture repair surgeries, tooth extractions and gum disease treatment for dogs and cats.
Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams
Your pet should attend a dental checkup at least once per year. Cats and dogs who are more prone to oral health issues may need to attend checkups more often/
North Wake Animal Hospital can assess, diagnose and treat dental health problems in cats and dogs.
- Symptoms
If you notice any of the following symptoms in your pet, it's time for a dental checkup.
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Tartar buildup
- Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Bad breath
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Discolored teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Assessment
A comprehensive physical assessment will be conducted before administering anesthesia to your pet.
We will take urine and blood samples to ensure it is safe to give your pet anesthesia. Additional diagnostics, such as chest radiographs or an ECG may also be conducted.
After your pet is under the effects of the anesthesia, we will conduct a comprehensive tooth by tooth oral exam and charting.
- Treatment
After that we will start the dental cleaning process for your pet, both above and below the gum line.
The last step is to apply a dental sealant to your pet's teeth in order to prevent plaque buildup. If we have detected advanced periodontal disease over the course of the dental exam, out vets will develop and discuss a treatment plan with you.
- Prevention
A complimentary 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
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from our patients about pet dental care.
- Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
Our pets, just like us, are able to develop oral health issues such as tooth decay or periodontal disease.
When our pets eat, plaque sticks to their teeth and can build up if not brushed away regularly.
This can lead to infections in the mouth, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and even loose or missing teeth. That's why regular dental care is essential to preventing pain or disease in the gums.
- How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
Did you know that your pet's behavior may be an indicator of oral health issues? If they are experiencing discomfort from dental problems, they may paw at their teeth or mouth, yawn excessively, grind their teeth, drool excessively (and sometimes with blood or pus in the drool), or stop grooming themselves.
Other signs of oral health problems include bad breath, swollen gums, and tooth discoloration. Some pets may even suffer from pain that keeps them from eating. Read more about symptoms to the left under Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams.
- What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
Besides causing oral health problems which can range from cavities to periodontal disease or bad breath, poor oral health and its related conditions can cause health issues throughout your pet's body, from their liver, to their kidneys, heart and lungs.
You pet may develop cysts or tumors as a result of severe oral health issues. They may also just generally feel uncomfortable, unwell, or in pain. In addition, diseases related to oral health conditions can shorten the lifespan of your pet and cause significant pain.
This is why regular dental care is so essential to animals' physical health and wellbeing.
- What happens during a pet teeth cleaning appointment?
In your pet's regularly schedules oral examination, your vet will examine their mouth and check for emerging conditions or symptoms which might need treatment.
The vet will clean the debris and tartar from your pet's teeth. If they detect gingivitis, cavities, or any other conditions which may require treatment, your vet will explain them to you and provide expert advice about the action they recommend.
In some cases, surgery will be needed to treat serious conditions. Your pet will be provided anesthesia before their dental procedure 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, schedule a dental appointment with us.
- What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
When at home, you should strive to brush you pet's teeth on a regular basis and provide them with dental chew toys or treats.
Don't allow your pet to chew on things like bones, toys, or other objects that are too hard. These can damage your pet's teeth. Always contact your vet with any questions you might have about your pet's oral health.
Veterinary Dentistry: Anesthesia & Your Pet's Oral Health
Cants and dongs don't know what is happening to them when they are undergoing veterinary dental procedures. They will often react to them with struggling or biting because of this. We provide anesthesia to all of our patients before we perform dental procedures. This puts less stress and pressure on your pet and allows us to examine their mouth as is required.