Pet Dental Exam—What You Need to Know

Unlike us, pets can’t brush or floss their teeth daily, which can lead to pet oral health issues such as:

• Tarter and plaque buildup—Causes bacteria leading to bad breath and gum infection (gingivitis)
• Gum infection (gingivitis)—Leads to tooth loss and localized pain
• Bacteria in the bloodstream—Causes disease in other organs, such as kidney, liver, and heart valves

A basic pet dental evaluation is included in your pet’s wellness exam, but a pet dental exam can be scheduled separately if you suspect your pet has an oral health concern.

Based on your pet’s dental exam, we will recommend a pet dental treatment plan. The treatment plan will cover all aspects of your pet’s dental procedure, such as:

• Cost estimate – An estimate can be given to outline the costs of the dental procedure, including antibiotics, extractions, and pre-anesthetic blood work.
• Antibiotics – Certain dental procedures require antibiotics be administered prior to the dental procedure.
• Extractions – An approximate number of teeth requiring extraction will be estimated. The exact quantity removed may vary, as the cleaning procedure progresses. We strive to save your pet’s teeth, and only painlessly remove the tooth if medically necessary.
• Blood work – Since anesthesia is needed for a dental procedure, we require your senior pets (7 or older) to have blood work prior to the dental procedure. This can be done the same morning. It is recommended but not required for pets under the age of 7 years of age.
• Pre-procedure instructions – Withholding food and water, at midnight, the night before your pet’s scheduled appointment is one typical preparation we make sure you do.

Since anesthesia is needed for a dental procedure, we require your pet to have bloodwork prior to the dental procedure. This can be done during your pre-surgical appointment.