Dental Services
Healthy teeth. Happier cats.
Because cats do not readily allow daily teeth brushing, chances are at some point in your cat’s life they will need a dental cleaning. At each annual exam we check the teeth and gums and determine whether a cleaning is necessary.
Why Dental Care Matters
It is important to keep the teeth clean because tartar buildup leads to the buildup of bacteria and infection. Once the infection reaches the tooth root, the tooth must be extracted.
Cats also frequently develop resorptive lesions — lesions that start to eat away at the enamel of the tooth and can be very painful. Teeth with resorptive lesions need to be extracted to relieve the pain.
Our Dental Care Process
1. Pre-Anesthetic Screening
We require all cats to have a health screening prior to anesthesia, including a physical exam and bloodwork. Under 8 years of age we require a mini-panel to look at kidney and liver function; over 8 years of age we require complete blood work.
2. Safe Anesthesia
Dental cleanings are performed under anesthesia so we can examine and clean every tooth thoroughly while keeping your cat comfortable and still. A trained staff member is assigned to your cat during anesthesia to ensure they are doing well. The staff member does not leave your cat's side until your cat is awake and doing well after the procedure.
3.
Full-Mouth X-rays
X-rays are taken of all the teeth so we can evaluate tooth roots and disease that is not visible during a routine exam.
4. Cleaning & Extractions
An ultrasonic scaler is used to gently remove the tartar. The doctor then measures the pockets surrounding the teeth and determines if any require extraction based on the x-rays and dental exam. If extractions are needed, they are generally performed the same day.
5. Comfortable Recovery
We take care to ensure your cat is pain free during and after the procedure to ensure they stay comfortable as they heal.
At-Home Dental Care
Brushing your cat’s teeth is about the best thing you can do to prevent tartar buildup. You can purchase cat-specific finger brushes and toothpaste at the pet store.
You can also use Oravet gel weekly to help create a barrier to bacteria and tartar buildup, or use a water additive called Healthy Mouth.
Common Dental Questions
How often do my cat’s teeth need to be cleaned?
It depends. Some cats need a cleaning every year and some can go several years in between cleanings. It is best to evaluate the teeth at your cat’s annual exam and decide based on his or her individual needs.
Will a teeth cleaning hurt my cat?
No! Teeth cleanings are done under full anesthesia, so your cat will not feel a thing. If anything could be painful, we will also administer pain medications to ensure they stay comfortable.
Keep Your Cat Smiling for Years to Come.
Preventive dental care helps your cat stay healthy, comfortable, and pain-free throughout every stage of life.