Pet Dentistry

Pet dental health is important to us at Stonebridge Veterinary Wellness. As part of your pet’s overall health, oral care plays a big role. Just like us, our pets need their teeth and gums cared for on a regular basis. Ideally it would be wonderful if, as pet parents, we were able to brush our furry friends’ teeth as regularly as we do our own. However, that’s not always possible and it’s understandable… We can’t explain to our pets that it’s in their best interest to hold still while we brush and examine their mouths! So, we do the best we can. We are happy to discuss brushing tips and techniques that will help keep your pets’ teeth and gums healthy between routine cleanings. Even us humans must go in for regular dental cleanings and exams, and we brush and floss our teeth on a regular basis. Could you imagine what your dentist would say if you brushed your teeth as often as your pets’ teeth are brushed? 

When it is time for an anesthetic dental cleaning, we are here for you! We offer comprehensive oral assessment, diagnosis and treatment. We take the time to talk with you about the process of an anesthetic dental cleaning and what is involved. We understand that as pet parents, we can sometimes be nervous to have an anesthetic procedure done for our pets. However, anesthesia is vitally important to make sure the radiographs, dental cleaning, diagnoses and necessary treatments are done properly and safely. Radiographs are taken with every dental procedure to ensure dental disease below the gumline is identified, diagnosed, and treated effectively. Pain management is provided in the form of nerve or local blocks, and oral pain medications for patients who require extractions. We are here for you with trained, highly knowledgeable staff who are experienced and compassionate.  We aim to be transparent and make the whole process as smooth as possible for you and your pets.

Why are dental cleanings important?

• Routine oral care helps keep harmful bacteria from accumulating on teeth and gums. Regular dental cleanings reduce inflammation of gum tissue, bad breath and tooth loss.
• When there is an accumulation of bacteria that goes untreated in the mouth, there are risks for that bacteria getting into the blood stream and traveling throughout the body where they can do damage to organs or even cause blood clots.  
• Dental cleanings, radiographs and oral examination under anesthesia can help spot any abnormalities or issues that may otherwise have gone undetected. Issues such as broken teeth that can be painful when the nerve is exposed, new abscesses forming, tooth root reabsorption that can only be found on x-ray, loose or damaged teeth, and tumors or oral masses, all affect your pets’ quality of life. 
• Dental cleanings help prevent the need for extensive sessions of extractions.
• By catching dental disease early, we may be able to preserve teeth and surrounding bone, whereas if they are left unattended, they can cause significant health issues.

Did you know?

–Plaque– Is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. This bacteria processes sugars and carbs into an acid that can cause tooth and gum decay.

–Calculus or Tartar– Is the hardening of plaque, made up of dead bacteria and minerals from the saliva. This layer can trap bacteria against the teeth and gums that eventually will start to destroy surrounding tissues. In severe cases, substantial bone loss can occur around the teeth.

• Periodontal disease affects nearly 80% of dogs and 70% of cats by age three.
• It’s rare for dogs and cats to stop eating when their mouth is painful due to dental disease, so it isn’t always easy to tell that they are in pain. 

We want your pets to live long, healthy and happy lives, and oral care is part of the big picture. We appreciate you letting us care for your pets’ dental needs and beyond.