Dental Care

Does your pet have bad breath? Have you noticed a few yellow or broken teeth, or some that are missing altogether?

These are all signs that your companion may be suffering from a dental problem, up to and including periodontal disease. If left untreated, dental disease can wreak havoc on your pet’s entire body, spreading infection and disease. It can even shorten his or her life.

The good news is there are things that you can do to help your pet beat the odds and enjoy a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Ingersoll Animal Hospital offers comprehensive, professional pet dentistry services, both routine and advanced, to help keep your pet’s mouth healthy and pain free.

One of the most common problems affecting dogs and cats is dental disease, with 70-80% of our pets developing the condition by the age of 3. Periodontal disease is caused by gingivitis or the continuous build-up of plaque and tartar. If left untreated, it can lead to pain and discomfort for your pet, tooth and gum damage and many other health problems throughout your pet’s body.

Our veterinary technicians are trained to thoroughly clean your pet’s teeth, both above and below the gum line, using state of the art equipment and techniques similar to those of your own dentist. Should any diseased teeth need to be removed during a dental cleaning, our veterinarians are also trained in a variety of techniques for surgical extractions.

Our professional veterinary dental services include:

• Dental treatment or prophy (cleaning and polishing under anesthetic)
• Digital dental x-ray
• Surgical extractions

Dental X-Rays

Without radiographs, chances are we would miss the majority of painful dental conditions present in a companion animal. The crown of the tooth is really just “the tip of the iceberg” when it comes to managing your pet’s dental care. Plaque and tartar on the teeth are not just unpleasant; they are often accompanied by inflammation in the gums and tooth-supporting structures (bone and connective tissue).

Intra-oral radiographs (x-rays) allow us to evaluate the bone and tooth-supporting structures, where the majority of oral disease occurs, in addition to the teeth themselves. Radiographs also allow us to identify problems much earlier and treat them while it’s easier and more effective to do so. Just as with other organ systems, early diagnosis of problems in the oral cavity can allow us to slow or stop progression of the disease process, which means a more positive outcome for your pet.

Home Care

After a professional teeth cleaning it is then your turn! Home dental care makes a tremendous difference in your pet’s comfort and health. Your pet will start developing plaque within hours of a professional teeth cleaning, just like you do after your teeth are cleaned at the dentist. With regular home dental care, especially brushing the teeth daily, you can help your loved one maintain good oral health and prolong the time between professional cleanings.

When it comes to your animal’s dental care, a healthy mouth means a healthier life. Together we’ll have that little guy or gal smiling pretty for many years to come!