Veterinary Dentistry & Dental Surgery
Promoting Optimal Oral Health for Life
Bad breath, broken teeth, and painful oral health conditions can develop when dental care is not provided to our dogs and cats.
Diligent at-home care combined with regular professional dental services can help to preserve your dog or cat's oral health, yet preventive dental care is often not focused on by many pet owners.
At our veterinary hospital, we want to help keep your companion happy, healthy and pain-free. This is why we offer a range of dental care services for pets, from basics such as dental exams, teeth cleanings and polishing, to dental X-rays and surgeries.
Dental Surgery for Dogs & Cats
Our veterinarians perform dental surgery for cats and dogs when required, including tooth extractions, and treatment for periodontal disease.
If your pet requires dental surgery, we will do all we can to make this process as stress-free as possible, for you and for your beloved companion. We'll explain the process to you before the procedure, including preparation and post-operative care requirements.
Teeth Cleaning & Examinations
Annual dental checkups are an important aspect of caring for your dog or cat's overall health. Detecting oral health issues early can help prevent your pet from experiencing pain or discomfort due to issues such as tooth decay, broken teeth or periodontal disease.
Pet dental appointments at Lady Hammond Animal Hospital typically involve the following:
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Pre-Anesthetic Assessment
Your dog or cat will undergo a thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment before their dental exam.
We will take blood and urine for analyses to ensure it's safe for your pet to undergo anesthesia. Additional diagnostics, such as chest radiographs may also be conducted.
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Administering Anesthesia
Anesthesia is administered to all patients undergoing dental procedures. This allows our team of professionals to do a thorough examination and cleaning safely.
While your pet is sedated we will also capture any required X-rays efficiently without undue stress on the pet.
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Oral Examination & Cleaning
Once your pet is under anesthesia, we will conduct a complete, tooth-by-tooth, oral examination and charting. Their teeth will be cleaned and polished, including under the gum line. A fluoride treatment will be applied to your pet's teeth, as well as dental sealant to help prevent plaque from attaching to the enamel.
If any oral health concerns are discovered, the veterinarian will develop a custom treatment plan to meet your pet's specific needs. This plan may include dental surgery or other treatments to help resolve existing issues and prevent further problems from developing.
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Follow-up Exam & Home Care
Your veterinarian may recommend a follow-up examination be scheduled two weeks after the initial appointment, so they can see if your pet's oral health issues are getting better.
Depending on what they see at this appointment, they may advise that you continue with your at-home care routine or recommend further veterinary intervention.
FAQs About Pet Dental Care
To learn more about pet dental care read through our answers to these frequently asked questions from our clients.
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Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
Dogs and cats can develop periodontal disease and tooth decay as a consequence of poor oral hygiene. When animals eat, plaque sticks to their teeth and can build up into tartar if not cleaned away regularly.
Annual dental care from your veterinarian can help prevent your pet from developing conditions such as periodontal disease, tooth decay, and even loose or missing teeth.
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How often does my pets need their teeth cleaned?
In addition to routine, at-home dental care (brushing teeth, dental chews, etc), we recommend that most dogs and cats see their veterinarian for dental checkups once a year. Pets at higher risk of developing dental problems may require more frequent appointments.
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How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
If you notice any of the following signs, it's time to book a dental checkup for your furry friend.
- Tartar buildup
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Bad breath
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Abnormal chewing
- Drooling
- Dropping food from the mouth
- Discoloured teeth
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What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
As well as causing problems such as cavities, bad breath and periodontal disease, oral health issues and conditions may lead to disease in the liver, kidney, heart, and other areas throughout your pet's body.
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What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
Cleaning your pet's teeth regularly, and providing dental chew toys can help to control the buildup of damage-causing plaque. Speak to your veterinarian to learn more about caring for your dog or cat's teeth between veterinary appointments.
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Why does my pet require anesthesia for their dental appointment?
Cats and dogs are unable to understand what is going on during dental procedures, and will often react by struggling or biting. Using anesthesia puts less stress on our cherished patients and allows us to examine their mouths safely and efficiently.
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What dental issues may require dental surgery as treatment?
Dental health issues that may require dental surgery include cracked or broken teeth, tooth decay, severe gum disease (periodontitis), jaw fractures, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, luxation, or dysplasia feline stomatitis.
New Patients Welcome
Lady Hammond Animal Hospital is accepting new patients from across the Halifax Regional Municipality! We'd love to welcome you and your cat or dog into our veterinary family. Get in touch to book your companion's first appointment.