If you’ve ever had a toothache, you know how much oral health affects quality of life! Unfortunately, dental disease is so common in dogs and cats that nearly all adult dogs and cats suffer from some form of oral pain.
Dental disease affects more than just the teeth, it can also lead to gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontal disease (the inflammation and destruction of the structure that holds the tooth into the jaw). The result is bad breath, gum disease, pain, infection, and tooth loss. Additionally, the bacteria put strain on vital organs, leading to heart, liver, and kidney disease.
The only way to treat dental disease is with a Complete Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (“COHAT”). This is a dentistry procedure performed by a licensed veterinarian, under general anesthetic.
As with any surgery, safety is our number one priority. Your little one will receive pre-sedation to help them relax and IV fluids throughout the procedure. Anesthesia is customized for each patient and monitored by a skilled veterinary Nurse.
In our modern, quiet, and clean dental suite, we will perform scaling, polishing, and fluoride treatment on your furry family member’s mouth. Just like in human dentistry, we will perform dental X-rays to assess below the gumline. Your veterinarian will evaluate the X-rays for signs of bone loss or tooth root abscesses. They will probe to assess for any pockets that have formed below the gumline, extract any diseased teeth, and finish with post-extraction X-rays.
Comfort is always top-of-mind at WNW Veterinary Clinic, so your little one will be sent home with pain medication to keep them comfortable in the days following their extractions. Once healing begins, many pet parents report that their dog or cat will play with their favorite toys again, be more interested in food, and have more energy!
Everyone wants more good years with their furry family members; keeping up with preventative dental cleanings and regular oral examinations is one of the most rewarding ways to do so.