Small Animal
Pet Dentistry
We offer comprehensive pet dentistry in Potlatch, ID, tailored to maintain and improve your pet’s oral health.
Understanding Dental Disease in Pets
Dental disease is a common issue for pets, with studies showing that by age three, most dogs and cats display signs of dental disease. This condition can start with simple plaque buildup, which, if left untreated, hardens into tartar on teeth and below the gumline. Over time, this can lead to:
- Pain and Discomfort: Bacteria and tartar buildup can irritate gums, causing pain and making it uncomfortable for your pet to chew.
- Inflammation and Infection: Untreated dental disease can lead to infections in the mouth, which may require extensive treatment.
- Systemic Health Risks: Bacteria from dental disease can enter the bloodstream and negatively impact organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys.
Recognizing early signs such as bad breath, red or swollen gums, and yellow to brown tartar buildup can alert you to dental issues, allowing for prompt care.
Comprehensive Pet Dentistry Services
At Potlatch Veterinary Clinic, our pet dentistry services address all aspects of dental health. From routine cleanings to advanced dental care, we provide thorough and gentle treatment to help keep your pet’s mouth healthy. Our dental services include:
- Dental Examinations: A complete exam allows our veterinarians to assess the current state of your pet’s dental health and develop a treatment plan if necessary.
- Professional Cleanings: Regular cleanings help remove plaque and tartar, which can prevent the onset of dental disease. We use pet-safe anesthesia to ensure your pet is comfortable and safe throughout the procedure.
- Digital Dental X-Rays: We use digital radiography to get a clear view of your pet’s teeth and the areas below the gumline. This helps identify hidden issues like abscesses, root damage, or bone loss.
- Tooth Extractions and Treatment for Advanced Dental Disease: For pets with advanced dental issues, we provide extractions and other necessary treatments to relieve pain and prevent further health complications.
Home Dental Care Tips
While professional cleanings are vital, at-home care can also support your pet’s dental health. Potlatch Veterinary Clinic encourages pet owners to incorporate simple practices that make a difference:
- Brushing: Use pet-friendly toothpaste and a soft brush to help reduce plaque buildup.
- Dental Treats and Chews: Many products are designed to help control tartar naturally as your pet chews.
- Regular Monitoring: Watch for changes in your pet’s breath, eating habits, or behavior, as these can signal oral discomfort.
Small Animal Dentistry FAQs
What should I do to care for my pet’s dental health?
We recommend all pets have their teeth evaluated at least yearly at their annual exam with their veterinarian. Your veterinarian can further advise you on treatment plans for your pet’s teeth, whether that is at home care like teeth brushing with dog/cat specific toothpaste and dental chews or that it is time for your pet to have a professional teeth cleaning by your veterinarian.
Why might my pet need a tooth extracted?
- Teeth Exams
- Dental Cleaning & Polishing
- Tooth Extractions
- Minor Oral Surgery
What is involved with a professional dental/teeth cleaning by your veterinarian?
When your pet gets a lot of tartar and/or gingivitis it is best for their overall health to have a professional dental cleaning done by your veterinarian. For this procedure, your pet will be placed under general anesthesia so that your veterinarian can safely clean the teeth above and below the gumline. Here at Potlatch Veterinary Clinic, all teeth are examined, scaled, cleaned, and polished under anesthesia while monitored by a veterinary technician. In addition, we also take a complete set of dental x-rays with all dental cleanings to fully examine the health of the teeth including the roots.