Comprehensive Cat & Dog Dental Care in Rock Springs
Routinely administered dental care is a key aspect of dogs' and cats' overall health, however, most pets don't actually get the oral hygiene care that they need in order to keep their gums and teeth healthy.
At our Rock Springs veterinary hospital, we provide complete cat & dog dental care, from basics such as dental exams, teeth cleanings and polishing, to dental x-rays and surgeries.
We are also committed to providing dental health education to pet owners concerning at-home oral health care and hygiene for their companions.
Dental Surgery in Rock Springs
We know that learning your pet need dental surgery can be an overwhelming experience. We strive to make this process as stress-free as possible both for you and your pet.
We will do everything we can to help ensure that your pet's experience with us is comfortable and easy. We will walk you through the steps of the process in detail before the procedure, including the preparation and any post-operative care requirements.
We offer jaw fracture repair surgeries, tooth extractions, and gum disease treatment for dogs and cats.
Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams in Rock Springs
Just like your own annual checkup at the dentist once each year, your cat or dog should come in for a dental exam at least once each year. Pets that are more prone to oral health issues than others may need to see us more often than that though.
Mountainaire Animal Clinic can assess, diagnose and treat dental health problems in cats and dogs.
- Symptoms
If you notice any of the following symptoms in your pet, it's time for a dental checkup.
- Bad breath
- Tartar buildup
- Discolored teeth
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
- Assessment
Your pet will need a thorough physical assessment to be completed before their dental exam.
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 under anesthesia, we will conduct a complete oral examination (tooth by tooth) and charting.
- Treatment
Next, the teeth are cleaned and polished (including under the gum line) and x-rays are taken. We then apply a fluoride treatment to each tooth.
The last step of the process is to apply a dental sealant in order to prevent plaque from attaching to their enamel. If advanced periodontal disease is found, the veterinarian will assess its extent and develop a treatment plan to discuss with you.
- Prevention
Ideally, a follow-up examination will be scheduled two weeks after the initial assessment and treatment appointment.
During this follow-up visit, we will speak with you about implementing tooth brushing at home. We will also recommend products that can help to improve your pet's oral health.
FAQs About Pet Dental Care
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from our clients about pet dental care.
- Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
Our pets can develop periodontal disease or tooth decay as a consequence of poor oral health.
Just like in people, when our pets eat, plaque sticks to their teeth and can build up into tartar if not routinely brushed away.
This may cause infections in your pet's mouth, tooth decay, periodontal disease and even loos or missing teeth. Because of this, at-home and professional dental care are both critical to preventing pain or disease in your pet's gums.
- How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
Did you know behavior may be an indication of oral health problems? If your pet is experiencing dental problems, they drool excessively (and the drool may contain pus or blood), or you may notice them pawing at their mouth or teeth. They may also yawn excessively, grind their teeth, or stop grooming sufficiently.
Other signs of oral health problems include bad breath, swollen gums, and tooth discoloration. Some pets may even suffer from pain that keeps them from eating. Read more about symptoms to the left under Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams.
- What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
On top of causing problems like cavities and bad breath, severe periodontal disease and oral health issues can lead to health impacts on your pet's liver, kidneys, heart and other internal organs throughout their body.
Cysts or tumors may develop. Your pet may also not feel well in general (if you've ever had a toothache, you know how it can affect your mood!). In addition, diseases related to oral health conditions can shorten the lifespan of your pet and cause significant pain.
This is why regular dental care is so essential to animals' physical health and wellbeing.
- What happens during a pet teeth cleaning appointment?
During your pet’s regular oral exam, the vet will examine his or her mouth and look for oral health conditions or any symptoms needing treatment.
The veterinarians will clean tartar and other debris from your dog or cat's teeth. If they detect gingivitis, cavities and other conditions that may need to be addressed, our vets will explain these to you and give you advice about what kinds of action they would recommend.
In some cases, surgery will be needed to treat serious conditions. Your pet will be provided with anesthesia before their dental procedure to ensure they are comfortable and do not experience any pain. However, special care will be needed post-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?
When at home, you should ensure that you are brushing your pet's teeth or a regular basis and giving them dental chew toys to help eliminate plaque.
Do not allow them to chew on things that will damage their teeth, such as bones, toys or objects that are too hard. Always contact your vet with any questions or concerns regarding your pet's oral health.
Veterinary Dentistry: Anesthesia & Your Pet's Oral Health
Cats and dogs do not understand what is going on during dental procedures, and will often react to dental procedures by struggling or biting.
Similar to the anesthesia provided to nervous or anxious patients by dentists, our Rock Springs vets provide anesthesia to all of our patients before performing dental procedures. This puts less stress on the animals and allows us to x-ray their mouth as needed.