DENTISTRY

» Dentistry	» Periodontal Disease
» Dental Disease Stages	» Oral Surgery & Advanced Procedures
» Complete Dental Cleaning	» Treatments
» Home Dental Care (pdf)

Why should we concern ourselves with the #1 diagnosed disease in our pets?

The short answer is we want to prevent pain and life shortening infection in their bodies.  We also want their breath not to smell bad.

Recent research documents if we can prevent periodontal disease (infection in the gum and bone around the teeth), we can add 2 ½ to 3 years of quality life to our pet’s time with us. 

Most cats and dogs (as well as special species) instinctively hide their pain from us.

You are the best person to know if their behavior changes in any way, or if a foul odor is noticed from their mouth.

Often the first clue a pet has pain or infection are subtle changes. These can  include eating difficulties, differences in playing and activity level, sleeping more, or bathroom habits that change.

What can we do to treat and prevent periodontal disease? 

We follow through with the Oral ATP.  (Assessment, Treatment and Prevention)

• We Assess what needs to be done for each tooth based on the visual exam (before and while anesthetized).
  
  
• We probe around each side of the tooth and evaluate the dental X-ray findings (while pet is anesthetized). 
  
  
•  We develop a Treatment plan for each tooth.
  
  
•  We follow up with Prevention plans.