We recommend using VOHC-approved products DAILY to keep your pet's teeth clean between professional cleanings. Brushing, especially with Virbac brand toothpaste is ideal, but sometimes just not possible. VentraDent Wipes made by Dechra are amazing alternatives, and often better tolerated than brushing. Some of our favorites treats and chews include:
- Greenies - dogs and cats
- Purina Dental Chews
- Purina DentaLife - dogs and cats
- OraVet Chews
- CET Hex chews
- VeggieDent Chews
- Whimzies
- Yummy Combs - NEW TO VOHC!
- Hill's Science Diet T/D food - used daily as treats for dogs and cats
Check out www.VOHC.org for more tips and product suggestions.
Remember - no bones, hooves, or antlers. These cause broken, painful teeth.
Comprehensive Oral Exam
As part of your pet’s annual wellness appointment, we will perform a comprehensive oral exam. We might recommend a professional dental cleaning if we see indications of periodontal disease.
Every dental patient gets pain and anti-anxiety medication prior to anesthesia. An IV (intravenous) catheter is placed so they can be safely put under anesthesia, and kept on warm IV fluids throughout the procedure. This keeps their heart, brain, and kidneys happy. An endotracheal tube is placed to protect their airway, and make sure they get the proper percentage of anesthetic gas, and oxygen throughout the surgery. All patients are also placed on a warming blanket to keep their body temperatures constant. Technicians monitor their oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, breathing rate, heart rate, EKG, and body temperature throughout the procedure.
Our dental veterinary services include:
- Routine prophylaxis removes the plaque and tartar above and below the gum line. We polish the teeth, probe for pockets around the teeth, small holes in the enamel, check for any fractures of the crown, make sure no pulp canals are exposed, and check for mobility and/or discoloration of teeth. We also take this time to explore the entire oral cavity for masses, discoloration, swelling, or any other concerning tissues.
- Digital dental radiographs or x-rays help us to find problems below the gumline, because, unlike humans, A LOT of disease happens there, like cysts, root resorption, and fractured roots. These radiographs also allow us to monitor very mildly diseased teeth as your pet ages, ie those teeth with defects small enough to note but not severe enough to extract. Sometimes pulp canals are diseased inside the teeth, and the only way to detect that is through x-rays, as they are not visible otherwise.
- Dental extractions and oral surgery remove diseased, painful teeth and roots. We will also remove masses and abnormal tissue, and to send it to a lab for diagnosis. (especially if cancer is a possibility) In advanced cases, we are happy to refer you to a boarded veterinary dentist.
Our technicians and doctors do everything in their power to keep your pet safe, and pain-free before, during, and after their dental procedure and oral surgery. We take pictures of their mouth before and after the procedure/surgery for you to take home, as well as copies of their radiographs, and printed information about post-op care and feeding. The doctor will call you after the procedure to explain extractions and surgery, and a technician will go over all information with you a second time, as well as all discharge and feeding instructions.
