at Mesa Veterinary Hospital in Golden, CO
Ensure your pet’s oral health with expert care at Mesa Veterinary Hospital. Prevent gum disease and decay with our professional dental cleanings.
Protecting Your Pet’s Smile: Dental Care at Mesa Veterinary Hospital
Maintaining your pet’s dental health is a crucial component of their overall well-being. At Mesa Veterinary Hospital, we recommend routine dental care to prevent gum disease and tooth decay in dogs, cats, and small animals. Pets often do not show signs of dental pain or infection, making regular check-ups and cleanings even more important.
Understanding Periodontal Disease in Pets
Periodontal disease is a common issue in pets that arises when bacteria in the mouth combine with food particles to form plaque. If plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar and calculus, which can only be effectively cleaned by a professional. Although home care measures like tooth brushing and dental treats can help slow plaque buildup, professional cleanings are necessary to thoroughly address tartar and prevent gum disease.
Untreated gum disease can lead to serious health complications. It can cause infections that affect the heart, kidneys, and liver, and may result in painful abscesses, tooth loss, and bone damage. Regular dental exams at Mesa Veterinary Hospital help identify and address these issues before they become severe.
The Benefits of Anesthetic Dental Cleanings
At Mesa Veterinary Hospital, we follow recommendations from the American Veterinary Dental College and the American Animal Hospital Association, which advise against anesthesia-free dental cleanings. Anesthesia allows for a thorough cleaning by enabling us to access and remove bacteria and tartar beneath the gum line, where periodontal disease begins. It also allows us to examine each tooth for decay or infection and perform any necessary extractions.
Anesthetic dental cleanings ensure your pet’s comfort and safety, providing a more comprehensive and less traumatic procedure. We take every precaution to ensure your pet’s well-being during their dental visit, including performing pre-anesthetic bloodwork to identify any potential complications.
What to Expect During Your Pet’s Dental Cleaning
Each dental cleaning at Mesa Veterinary Hospital involves a full dental exam, a periodontal evaluation, and a scaling and polishing of the teeth. We use an ultrasonic scaler to reduce discomfort and improve healing, followed by a dental polish to remove microscopic particles that could harbor bacteria.
If your pet requires additional procedures such as dental extractions, gum surgery, or root canal therapy, we will discuss these options and any associated costs with you before proceeding. Advanced treatments are often performed during the same anesthetic session to avoid the need for additional procedures later.
Signs Your Pet May Need a Dental Cleaning
Bad breath in pets can be an indicator of underlying dental issues. If your pet shows signs of facial swelling or has trouble eating, it may be time for a dental evaluation. Our experienced team in Golden is equipped to handle a wide range of dental procedures to enhance your pet’s comfort and health.
Pet dental health is closely linked to overall health, with periodontal disease potentially impacting conditions like heart disease, respiratory issues, and diabetes. Non-anesthetic cleanings, often available through mobile services or pet stores, do not address tartar below the gum line or offer the full range of necessary treatments.
Comprehensive Pet Dental Care
At Mesa Veterinary Hospital, we provide thorough dental care for dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, and other pets as part of our comprehensive veterinary services. Our experienced veterinarians are dedicated to ensuring that your pet’s dental health is managed effectively and safely.
If you’re in Golden, West Denver, Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, or Arvada, and you have concerns about your pet’s dental health, we encourage you to contact us. Regular dental care can greatly improve your pet’s quality of life, preventing serious health issues and ensuring their long-term comfort and well-being.