Dental Care:
Dental care is an essential part of a pet's overall health and well-being, and we commonly perform a range of dental procedures on cats and dogs to help keep their teeth and gums healthy. Here are some of the most common dental procedures that your pet may need:
1) Dental Cleaning: Professional cleaning of teeth is done under anesthesia at Royle Veterinary Clinic. This is a procedure used to remove bacterial buildup, plaque, and tartar from under the gumline and reveal early signs of oral cancer.
2) Tooth Extraction: Tooth extractions may be required when a pet experiences tooth damage that cannot be repaired, advanced periodontal disease which has affected tooth anchorage, or if there is gingival recession.
3) Oral Surgery: Oral surgery for pets includes an extraction of tumors and other oral masses, gingival flap surgery, palate and cleft palate surgery, in some cases your pet may be referred to a dental specialist for some of these treatments.
4) Root Canal Therapy: Sometimes required when a pet's tooth is infected with bacteria, a root canal procedure involves using small files to clean the "root canals" of the tooth and then filling it with a material called gutta-percha, allowing the pet to keep the tooth. This is done by a dental specialist and your veterinarian will tell you if and when this is necessary.
These dental procedures are important because dental disease can lead to systemic health issues in cats and dogs, and by ensuring proper dental care, these issues can be prevented. Failure to provide regular dental care can lead to periodontal disease which can lead to halitosis, tooth loss, pain, and may put an animal's immune and digestive systems at risk.
Overall, proper dental care is essential to ensure that cats and dogs maintain good oral health and overall wellbeing throughout their lifetime. We recommend regular dental exams and cleanings for all pets and suggest that pet owners work to keep their pets' teeth clean through regular brushing, dental chews, and other dental care products.
