Dentistry

Dental Care

 

Providing good dental care is one of the most effective ways to improve the long term health of your pet.  The build up of plaque and tartar lead to periodontal disease and infected teeth, which serves as a source of inflammation and infection for the rest of the body.  This inflammation and infection can be damaging to the heart and kidneys. 

 

Teeth problems are often overlooked because most people do not lift their pet's lips to check the teeth and gums.  While most pets do not form cavities the way humans do, they can develop significant tartar and periodontal disease.   Plaque is a thick substance consisting of saliva, bacteria and food particles.  It forms within 6 to 8 hours of brushing.  Plaque is then mineralized into tartar within 48 hours of forming.  Unfortunately, most pets do not have their teeth brushed, and subsequently build up significant amounts of tartar. 

 

In order for your pet to maintain a healthy mouth, a combination of good home care, professional cleaning and oral exam under general anesthesia are needed. 

 

Home care consists of:    

    Feeding a hard kibble-type food (the largest kibble your pet will eat is best)

       Hill's Prescription T/D has been clinically proven to reduce tartar build up.

    Providing appropriate chew toys

    Daily brushing of teeth

       This is the best way you can reduce tartar build up.  

       By frequently looking at your pet's teeth you will detect tartar build up sooner.  

            

    Useful links  How to take care of your dog's teeth                       

                            How to brush your dog's teeth   

 

Professional care: The following items can be properly completed only under general anesthesia. 

   Teeth cleaning and polishing-includes cleaning all the visible surfaces as well as cleaning the areas
                                                           below the gum line.

   Complete oral exam-checking all teeth, gum tissue, tongue, as well as probing around all teeth to check 
                                          periodontal pocket depth.

   Fluoride application    

   Dental radiographs  

 

Our current charges for complete oral exam and cleaning for dogs is $211.40 and for cats is $180.40.

The charges are itemized as follows:
 

   Daytime Hospitalization                                                           $13.40
   Pre-anesthetic sedative/analgesic/induction                         $23.10

   IV catheter and fluids with surgery                                           $38.00

   Anesthesia (iso or sevo gas)                                                   $51.50

   Teeth Scaling & Polishing-Can                                               $72.00

       (Cats are $41.00)
   Periodontal and oral exam                                                       $11.40
   Biohazard Fee                                                                           $  2.00

 

All procedures include an IV catheter and fluids during anesthesia, anesthesia monitoring by a licensed veterinary technician, as well as electronic monitoring. (ECG, blood pressure, temperature, and respiratory) The teeth surfaces are cleaned above and below the gum line, followed by a full oral exam by the veterinarian including charting of all teeth.  After all other procedures are completed the teeth are polished and fluoride is applied.

 

Additional procedures that may be performed on your pet following the oral exam include: dental radiographs, tooth extraction, and deep root planing.  These are done on a case by case basis and are determined based on the oral exam. 

 

Although not required, we do recommend pre-anesthetic blood testing.  Based on the age and health status of your pet we can help you determine how extensive a panel to choose.  The cost for a basic chemistry panel and CBC, which can be performed in our hospital, the day of the procedure is $56.50