Dentistry

Dental Care for Pets

Trust Austin Veterinary Diagnostic Hospital for all of your dental veterinary needs. Many of the same procedures performed in humans are also routinely done in animals:

Complete dental cleaning
Cavity repair
Root canal
Laser tumor removal and biopsy
Crown placement

Want to learn more? Check out Dr. Sarah Kneupper’s Pet Dental Health Awareness article:

The Importance of Dental Health

Have you ever imagined a place where bacteria thrive in microscopic cesspools and hidden pockets causing erosion, pain, infection and decay? Probably not. What if this place exists in most households, possibly including yours?! Lift your pet’s lip to find out.

Dental disease is one of the most prevalent diseases affecting companion animals. Tartar buildup on teeth and under gums causes bacterial overgrowth and infection. This infection leads to decay of the ligaments that hold teeth in place, causing tooth loosening and abscess formation at the tooth roots. In severe cases, the bones of the jaw and skull can become decayed and compromised. Extreme cases of dental disease can actually contribute to a pet’s preventable death.

Other problems associated with dental disease include tooth fractures and retained baby teeth or improperly aligned teeth. Cats may have even more severe problems associated with dental disease, such as resorptive lesions or stomatitis.

Signs that your pet may be long overdue for that crucial dental exam may include:

Bad breath (halitosis)
Eating less
Obvious difficulty eating
Weight loss
Irritability

Proper and complete dental cleanings must be done under anesthesia in order to scale under the gumline, probe for abscessed pockets, and extract teeth if necessary. Many owners are nervous about the idea of anesthesia for their pet. After your veterinarian has examined your pet and completed proper pre-anesthetic testing (such as bloodwork), the relative risk of anesthesia for the specific patient is better understood.

Thousands of pets (yes, even senior pets!) safely undergo dental cleanings every year and are now healthier and happier.

Now you can fully understand the importance of including a thorough oral check with your annual wellness exam. Ask your veterinarian if your pet needs a dental cleaning. If your furry friend’s doctor recommends a dental, please do it for the longevity and benefits to your animal. It will make those sloppy kisses even better!

Call us at (512) 288-1040 to schedule a dental exam today.

~ Sarah Kneupper, DVM
Austin Veterinary Diagnostic Hospital
www.austinvet.net