Dental Services
Dental Disease & Procedures • My Pet's Surgery or Dental Procedure
Dental Disease & Procedures
Like in people dental disease in animals can lead to problems with overall body health. The plaque that accumulates on your pet’s teeth contains millions of bacteria that can enter their bloodstream and cause low grade bacterial infections that affect the kidneys, liver and other body systems. Heavy plaque accumulation can lead to gum recession, bone loss, and eventually abscessed teeth that need to be extracted. Caring for your pet’s teeth at home by feeding crunchy food, dental bones or treats, and regular brushing of their teeth can help immensely. Even brushing your pet’s teeth twice a week can make a big difference. Often a complete dental cleaning must be done first as brushing will not remove years of tartar and plaque accumulation.
Dental radiographs may be taken to evaluate for periodontal bone loss and abscessed teeth. When necessary our veterinarians may recommend tooth extractions, root scaling, or gingival surgery. Before and after pictures will make you realize that you made the right decision for your pet.
Middlesex County Animal Hospital recommends dental procedures and cleaning for pets that have significant plaque accumulation, gum recession, or tooth abscesses. Since these pets must be placed under general anesthesia to perform any dental procedure, pre-anesthetic blood work and other considerations will be recommended by our doctors. All dental patients will receive the same anesthetic monitoring, fluid support, and post-procedure monitoring as surgery patients. Ultrasonic scaling above and below the gum line, dental grading, and polishing will be performed in all cases. Dental radiographs may be taken to evaluate for periodontal bone loss and abscessed teeth. Before and after pictures will make you realize that you made the right decision for your pet.
My Pet's Surgery or Dental Procedure
1. No food after midnight the evening before surgery. Water is ok.
2. Drop off you pet as close to the scheduled time as possible.
3. A complete exam will be done on your pet by the doctor prior to anesthesia and any necessary blood work will be analyzed. The doctor will call with any concerns prior to anesthesia and surgery.
4. After your pet’s procedure a technician or doctor will call with an update.
5. Your pet will receive continuous post-anesthetic monitoring and pain medications as necessary.
6. Many surgical and dental patients will be sent home the evening of surgery. We will schedule an appointment for you to pick up your pet when you schedule the surgery.
