Comprehensive Pet Dental Care
Routine pet dental care is an important part of cats' and dogs' health. But most pets do not receive the oral hygiene care they need to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
We provide complete dental care for your pet at our Fremont animal hospital. This ranges from basic dental exams, teeth cleanings, and polishing, to dental x-rays and surgeries.
We also make it a point to educate pet owners on how to care for their pets' teeth at home.
Pet Dental Surgery in Fremont
We understand how stressful it can be to learn that your pet requires dental surgery. We work hard to make this process as stress-free as possible for both you and your pet.
We'll do everything we can to make your pet's stay with us as pleasant and easy as possible. Before the procedure, we will go over each step of the procedure with you in detail. This includes the preparation and post-operative care requirements.
For dogs and cats, we provide jaw fracture repair surgeries, tooth extractions, and gum disease treatment.
Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams
Your dog or cat should have a dental examination at least once a year as you do. Pets who are more prone to dental problems than others may need more frequent visits.
Ace Animal Hospital is capable of assessing, diagnosing, and treating dental health issues in cats and dogs.
- Symptoms
If you notice any of the following symptoms in your pet, it's time for a dental checkup.
- Tartar buildup
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- 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
- Discolored teeth
- Assessment
Before the dental exam, your pet will undergo a thorough pre-anesthetic physical examination.
We will take blood and urine analyses to ensure it's safe for your pet to undergo anesthesia. Additional diagnostics, such as chest radiographs or an ECG may also be conducted.
Once your pet is sedated, we will perform a thorough oral examination (tooth by tooth) and charting.
- Treatment
The teeth are then cleaned and polished (including beneath the gum line), and we take x-rays. Each tooth is then given a fluoride treatment.
Finally, we apply a dental sealant to prevent plaque from adhering to the enamel. If we find advanced periodontal disease, the vet will devise a treatment plan and consult with you on it. - Prevention
A follow-up exam should ideally be scheduled two weeks after the initial evaluation and treatment.
During this visit, we will talk about how to brush your teeth at home. We can also recommend products that will help your pet's oral health.
FAQs About Pet Dental Care
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about pet dental care from our patients.
- Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
Poor oral health can lead to periodontal disease or tooth decay in our pets.
When animals eat, plaque sticks to their teeth, and if not brushed away regularly, it can harden into tartar.
This can result in oral infections, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and even loose or missing teeth. That is why regular dental care is critical for preventing gum pain and disease. - How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
Did you know that behavior can be an indicator of oral health issues? If your pet has dental problems, you may notice them drooling more than usual (which may contain pus or blood) or pawing at their mouth or teeth. They may also yawn excessively, grind their teeth, or fail to groom well.
Bad breath, swollen gums, and tooth discoloration are other signs of oral health problems.
Some pets may even experience pain that prevents them from eating. You can find more information about symptoms on the left under Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams. - What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
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 form. Your pet may also be feeling under the weather in general (if you've ever had a toothache, you know how it can affect your mood!). Diseases associated with oral health conditions can shorten your pet's life and cause significant pain.
This is why regular dental care is so important for the physical health and well-being of animals. - What happens during a pet tooth cleaning appointment?
During your pet's routine oral exam, the vet will examine his or her mouth for oral health conditions or any symptoms that need treatment.
The vet removes tartar and other debris from your cat's or dog's teeth. If cavities, gingivitis, or other conditions need attention, the veterinarian will explain them to you and advise you on what steps to take.
Surgery may be needed in some cases to treat serious conditions. We will administer anesthesia before the dental procedure to ensure that they are comfortable and pain-free. Special care is necessary following 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?
Brushing your pet's teeth and providing dental chew toys should happen regularly at home. These will aid in the removal of plaque.
Allow them to chew on things that will harm their teeth, such as bones, toys, or hard objects. If you have any questions or concerns about your pet's oral health, always contact your vet.
Veterinary Dentistry: Anesthesia & Your Pet's Oral Health
Cats and dogs do not understand what is going on during dental procedures and can react by biting or struggling.
Our Fremont vet provides anesthesia to all our patients before performing dental procedures. This reduces stress on the animals and enables us to x-ray their mouths as needed.
