Our vets in Ceres provide preventive and restorative veterinary dental healthcare and surgery for dogs and cats.
Dental Care for Cats & Dogs
Routine pet dental care is a vital part of oral and overall health for all cats and dogs, but most pets don't get the oral hygiene care they need to ensure their teeth and gums stay healthy.
At our veterinary hospital in Ceres, we provide complete dental care for your dog or cat, from basics such as teeth cleanings, dental exams and polishing to surgeries.
We are also passionate about home dental care and dental health education for pet owners.
Pet Dental Surgery in Ceres
We understand that learning that your pet needs dental surgery can be daunting. We strive to make this process as stress-free as possible, for both you and your pet.
We'll do everything in our power to make sure your pet's experience with us is easy and comfortable. We'll explain every step of the process to you in detail before the procedure, including preparation and post-operative care requirements.
We offer tooth extractions, gum disease treatment and jaw fracture repair surgeries for cats and dogs.
Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams
At least once every year, your pet should come in for a dental examination. Dogs and cats who are more susceptible to dental problems than others may need to see us for more frequent appointments.
The vets at American Pet Clinic can examine, diagnose and treat dental health issues in cats and dogs.
- Symptoms
If you notice your pet displaying any of these symptoms, it's time to schedule a dental checkup.
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Discolored teeth
- Tartar buildup
- Bad breath
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Abnormal chewing, drooling or dropping food from the mouth
- Assessment
Before the dental exam, the vet will complete a detailed pre-anesthetic physical assessment.
To make sure it's safe for your pet to undergo anesthesia, we will perform a blood analysis. If necessary, additional diagnostics such as chest radiographs may also be done.
Once your pet has been put under anesthesia, we will conduct a complete oral examination (tooth by tooth) and charting.
- Treatment
The teeth are then cleaned and polished (including under the gum line), and a fluoride treatment is then applied to each tooth.
Finally, a dental sealant is applied to prevent plaque from building up on the enamel. If advanced periodontal disease is discovered, the vet will develop a treatment plan and review it with you.
FAQs About Pet Dental Care
These are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from our patients regarding pet dental care.
- Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
As a result of poor oral health, our pets may develop tooth decay or periodontal disease.
Similar to humans, plaque sticks to animals' teeth when they eat, and can build up into tartar if not brushed away on a regular basis.
This may lead to infections in the mouth, tooth decay, loose or missing teeth and periodontal disease. This is why it's imperative that pets get regular dental care - to prevent pain or disease in the gums.
- How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
Did you know behavior may be an indication of oral health problems? If your pet is experiencing dental problems, or they may drool excessively (and the drool may contain pus or blood), or you may notice them pawing at their mouth or teeth. They may also yawn excessively, grind their teeth, or stop grooming sufficiently.
Other signs of oral health problems include bad breath, swollen gums, and tooth discoloration. Some pets may even suffer from pain that keeps them from eating. Read more about symptoms to the left under Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams.
- What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
Besides causing problems ranging from cavities and bad breath to severe periodontal disease, oral health issues and conditions can lead to disease in the liver, kidney, heart and other areas throughout your pet's body.
Cysts or tumors may develop. Your pet may also not feel well in in general (if you've ever had a toothache, you know how it can affect your mood!). In addition, diseases related to oral health conditions can shorten the lifespan of your pet and cause significant pain.
This is why regular dental care is so essential to animals' physical health and wellbeing.
- What happens during a pet teeth cleaning appointment?
During your pet’s regular oral exam, the vet will examine his or her mouth and look for oral health conditions or any symptoms needing treatment.
The vet will clean tartar and other debris from your cat's or dog's teeth. If cavities, gingivitis or other conditions need to be addressed, the vet will explain these to you and provide advice on which actions you should take.
In some cases, surgery will be needed to treat serious conditions. Your pet will be provided anesthesia before their dental procedure to ensure they are comfortable and do not experience any pain. However, special care will be needed post-surgery.
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a dental appointment with us.
- What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
At home, you should brush your pet's teeth on a regular basis and give them dental chew toys. These will help eliminate plaque.
Do not allow them to chew on things that will damage their teeth, such as bones, toys or objects that are too hard. Always contact your vet with any questions or concerns regarding your pet's oral health.
Veterinary Dentistry: Anesthesia & Your Pet's Oral Health
Because cats and dogs do not understand what is happening during pet dental procedures, they will often react by biting or struggling. We provide anesthesia to all of our patients before performing dental procedures. This way, the animals are under less stress and we can examine and treat dental issues as needed.
New Patients Always Welcome
American Pet Clinic is accepting new patients! Get in touch today to book your pet's first appointment.