Dental

At North Richmond Vet Hospital, we understand that pets are susceptible to dental issues like humans. Statistics show that about 80% of dogs and 70% of cats not on a dental care program will experience some form of dental disease by age two. This highlights the importance of proper dental care for your pets.

How Dental Disease Develops in Pets

Dental disease in pets starts with the formation of plaque, a combination of bacteria, food particles, and saliva on the teeth. If left unchecked, plaque hardens into tartar (calculus), a yellow-brown substance on the teeth. This can shorten your pet's lifespan by causing:

• Tissue and bone destruction, leading to red gums, bad breath, and loosened teeth.
• Tooth loss, gum infections, and pain.
• A potential source of infection for critical organs like the kidneys, liver, and heart, making your pet seriously ill.

Identifying Dental Disease in Pets

Your pet may show signs of dental disease, such as:

• Bad breath.
• Inflamed gums.
• Plaque and tartar build-up.
• Swollen jaw.
• Difficulty in chewing.

We recommend regular dental checks at North Richmond Vet Hospital. These checks involve a thorough dental examination under anaesthesia, ensuring a stress-free experience for your pet. This process is the safest way to conduct a comprehensive dental procedure.

Our Dental Examination Includes:

• Charting and evaluating all present teeth, including checking for tartar, gingivitis, and gum pockets.
• Removing tartar using an ultrasonic scaler, like human dental care.
• Polishing teeth with specialised equipment and paste.
• Performing dental radiographs, if necessary, to assess the need for tooth extractions.
• Conducting gum surgery and using dissolvable stitches if required.
• Providing necessary antibiotics and anti-inflammatory treatments post-procedure.

Cost of Dental Treatments

The cost of getting a dental procedure performed on your pet depends on their dental disease grade. This influences the time required to perform the procedure and whether specialised procedures such as dental radiography and dental nerve blocks are performed. Our dental prices include general anaesthesia and intravenous fluids provided for all patients.

Dental Grade 1-2 - Scale and Polish $

Dental Grade 3-4 - Scale and Polish with minor to major extractions $

Dental Hygiene for Your Pet

Daily Brushing: Begin at a young age and use pet-specific toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Raw and Meaty Bones: Feed cautiously and seek advice on suitable bones.

Enzymatic Chews and Teeth Cleaning Biscuits: These help maintain clean teeth.

Fresh Water: Always provide a freshwater supply.

Preventing and Treating Dental Disease in Dogs

Regular dental checks and ongoing care can help prevent dental issues.

Like human dental care, scale and polish procedures are performed under anaesthesia.

Using dental chews and special dental foods can help prevent dental disease.

X-rays, tooth extractions, and pain relief are provided as needed.

At-Home Prevention Strategies

Dog Dental Chews: Reduce tartar build-up.

Teeth Brushing: Using dog-specific toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Healthy Diet: Consider special dental biscuit diets to reduce plaque and tartar.

At North Richmond Vet Hospital, we're dedicated to ensuring your pet's dental health is taken care of. Regular dental care is crucial for your pet's overall well-being. Contact us to schedule a dental check-up and get expert advice on maintaining your pet's dental health. Your pet's bright smile and improved health are our top priorities!