Dentistry
FUN PUN: What do you call a magic dog? A Labracadabrador.
The Erindale Advantage
When it comes to your pet only the best will do. This is why at Erindale Animal Hospital all of our technical and veterinary staff attend continuing education programs with board certified veterinary dentists. This additional specialized training provides the staff at Erindale with the knowledge and skills to diagnose and treat a wide variety of dental issues.
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What really sets our dental procedures apart from other clinics is that our veterinarians will be the only person to perform oral surgery on your pet. This includes both major and minor tooth extractions, crown amputations, and suturing of the gums. This helps ensure your pet receives the best dental care possible.
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At Erindale Animal Hospital, our professional dentistry services are tailored to meet the specific needs of your pet. We offer both routine preventative care to keep plaque and tartar at bay, as well as advanced treatment for existing oral conditions. Whether you are stopping by for a dental exam or your pet is visiting us for a dental procedure, we have you covered.
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The Signs
Some of the signs of dental disease in companion animals include, but are not limited to:
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Bad breath
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Excessive drooling
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Dropping food
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Sudden disinterest in chew toys
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Loss of appetite
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Swollen or painful face
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Pawing at the mouth
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Yellow, broken, loose, or missing teeth
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Gums that are red, swollen, or bleeding
If your pet is exhibiting any of these things, it is time to schedule a dental exam. We can determine what the problem is and address it quickly, improving the prognosis for your loved one.
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The Importance Of Dental Care
Dental health care plays an important role in your pet’s general well being. Just like you, your pet is susceptible to painful dental disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, and gingivitis. These oral health issues can arise when bacteria found in the mouth penetrate below the gum line, multiply, and cause damage to the tissues surrounding the teeth. If left untreated these bacteria can even enter the bloodstream leading to systemic illness and the potential for damage to the kidneys, lungs, and heart. Fortunately, with proper oral health care all of this can be prevented!
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What To Expect
Whether your pet is in for an annual cleaning or a tooth extraction, every dental procedure at Erindale Animal Hospital starts with a thorough probing of the gum line and all the teeth, as well as a complete series of digital dental x-rays. The use of digital dental x-rays gives us a better view of potential problems under the gum line, such as bone loss and abscesses. With a clear picture of your pet’s oral health concerns we proceed with cleaning and extracting. We use hand scaling, curetting and ultrasonic scaling to remove all the tartar and debris from both above, and below the gum line. Next, the veterinarian will perform any oral surgery such as a tooth extraction, crown amputation or gum surgery, should it be required. As a final step, we even use fluoride to protect the tooth enamel, just like your dentist does!
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What You Can Do
In addition to our professional dental care, we also work closely with you to ensure that your companion’s teeth stay healthy and clean year-round. In between annual cleanings, it is important that you are brushing your pet’s teeth regularly. We recommend doing this at least three times a week, if not daily. Our experienced staff would be happy to offer demonstrations of the proper technique and give advice on various dental health products you can try.
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