Complete Oral Health Care
Did you know that almost 85% of all pets have some degree of dental disease by the age of three years? Tartar can harbor bacteria that are harmful to the bone and gum tissues resulting in loose and painful teeth. Gingivitis (inflammation of the gum tissue) is typically reversible. Unfortunately, bone loss is not. Regular dental cleanings can help reduce periodontal bone loss and prevent loose teeth.
Some signs of dental disease include:
- Bad breath
- Discolored teeth, broken, or loose teeth
- Red, swollen gums
- Difficulty chewing or reluctance to play with chew toys
At Breckenridge Animal Hospital, we feel that a healthy mouth leads to a happier, healthier pet. We regularly perform routine dental prophylaxis using high speed and ultra sonic instruments. However, we are also able to do advanced procedures, such as extractions of loose/broken teeth, treatment of gingival hyperplasia, and management of other oral disease processes.
During a dental procedure, we will also perform a thorough oral exam and utilize digital dental radiographs (x-rays) to evaluate for diseased teeth or other oral pathology.
The importance of digital x-rays during dental procedures can be seen by following the link.
Anesthesia is necessary when performing a dental procedure so that the teeth can be adequately evaluated and cleaned. As part of our standard for optimal pet care, all dentals include IV catheter placement, and cardiopulmonary monitoring during the procedure. We also use pain management procedures, and oral pain medication to alleviate any discomfort at home.
Routine dentals, in conjunction with appropriate at-home dental care will help your pet have fresh breath and keep teeth as healthy as possible. While brushing the teeth is the best way to slow down tartar build-up and prevent dental disease, we also offer several other at-home care options, including:
Oravet Gel Application and Take Home Care Kit
PerioSupport from Vetri-Science