Old Derby Animal Hospital
Dentistry
Annual dental exams and cleanings are recommended to protect your pet from many health problems and help them maintain a healthy and clean mouth.
Cat and Dog Teeth Cleaning in Hingham, MA
Is daily brushing part of your pet’s health routine? If not, now is the time to start. Your pet’s oral health is deeply connected to their overall health; if their teeth and gums are in poor condition, this will affect the rest of their body.
Old Derby Animal Hospital offers a complete inventory of dog and cat teeth cleaning services in Hingham, MA, to help with treating and preventing dental disease and other oral conditions that can result in swollen gums, oral pain, and tooth loss. A healthy mouth means a better quality of life.
The road to a healthy mouth starts with an oral exam. Make an appointment today!
Overview
Studies show that 50% of all dogs and cats have some form of periodontal disease. That number jumps to 80% in pets that are 3 years of age or older. If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause infection, pain, and tooth loss over time. It can also lead to serious health problems like microscopic changes in the heart, liver, and kidneys. Because of this, we recommend an annual veterinary dental healthcare examination for all pets.
Why do pets need dental care?
Many health problems start in the mouth. Plaque, tartar, periodontal disease, and infected teeth serve as a source of inflammation and infection for the rest of the body.
Dental disease is one of the most common problems that we see in dogs and cats. It can cause drooling, reluctance to eat, swelling, bad breath, redness of the gums, loose teeth and tooth discoloration.
When should I seek dental care for my pet?
Dental issues and dental related diseases can easily be prevented by visiting our veterinarians regularly for dental examinations and cleanings. We take a comprehensive approach to dental care including dental health assessment, treatment, and prevention.
How does it work?
Teeth Exams, Cleaning and Polishing
Dog and cat dental cleanings are very similar to human dental cleanings, except that we are required to use anesthesia to properly and safely examine and clean the teeth. After the cleaning, our veterinarians perform a thorough oral exam and check for signs of disease like gum loss, root exposure, or pockets around the root.
Also similar to human dentistry, we do full mouth radiographs (x-rays) of your pet. This allows our veterinarians to be able to evaluate the roots of your pet's teeth as well as any disease or abnormalities that are located below the gum line and not visible on examination alone.
Tooth Extractions
We make every effort to save teeth that we feel have a chance to be successfully treated. In many circumstances, however, periodontal disease is so advanced that treatment without extraction is unsuccessful. We only extract teeth that in the doctor's opinion are beyond saving.
Minor Oral Surgery
Many teeth require oral surgery to safely remove each individual root. We have extensive training and experience to perform these procedures properly. Pain medications are administered in clinic and provided for in-home aftercare.
What's in Our Teeth Cleaning Package?
To preserve your pet’s pearly whites for as long as possible, we provide these cat and dog teeth cleaning services:
An oral exam to help us determine whether your pet needs a dental cleaning
Full-mouth digital dental X-rays to screen for signs of dental disease
A complete dental cleaning under anesthesia to ensure that all plaque, tartar, and/or calculus is removed from both above and below the gum line
Polishing the tooth enamel smooth to deter future plaque and tartar buildup
Examination of each individual tooth and the pockets around the teeth
If necessary, we can perform dental extractions to remove decayed or broken teeth
Additionally, our animal hospital carries VOHC-endorsed pet dental care products so you can continue your pet’s treatment at home.
Why Home Dog and Cat Teeth Cleaning is Important
Dental disease occurs when plaque and tartar form on the teeth over time and harden into calculus, which is impossible to remove with brushing. Bacteria in this material can find its way under the gum line and cause severe infection. Fortunately, brushing your pet’s teeth every day can minimize the buildup of plaque and tartar and prevent dental disease altogether. It may also increase the length of time between professional teeth cleanings.
To supplement your pet’s teeth cleaning routine, you can also try a prescription dental diet, dental chews/treats, water additives, and oral care wipes. Ask us about what we offer and how it can help your pet!