Veterinary Dentistry & Dental Surgery
At Cranbrook Veterinary Hospital, we provide preventative dental care and services for your canine or feline companion.
Comprehensive Dental Care for Cats & Dogs
Routine dental care is key to your pet's long term and overall health. However, most pets don't receive the oral hygiene they need to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
At our East Kootenay veterinary hospital, we provide complete dental care for your pet, from basics such as dental exams, teeth cleanings and polishing, to dental x-rays and surgeries.
We are passionate about dental health education and are here to answer any questions you might have about your furry companion's continued oral health.
Dental Surgery in East Kootenay
Finding out that your pet needs dental surgery can be overwhelming. We make every effort to make this process as stress-free and easy as possible for both you and your pet.
We'll do everything we can to ensure your pet's experience with us is comfortable and easy. We'll break down each step of the process to you in detail before the procedure, including preparation and post-operative care requirements. We are proud to offer tooth extractions and gum disease treatment for your companions.
Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams
Your pet should attend a dental checkup at least once a year. Dogs and cats who are prone to dental issues should do so more often.
Cranbrook Veterinary Hospital can assess, diagnose and treat dental health problems in cats and dogs.
- Symptoms
If you notice any of the following symptoms in your pet, it's time for a dental checkup.
- Bad breath
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Tartar buildup
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
- Discoloured teeth
- Assessment
We will conduct a thorough pre-anesthetic assessment for your pet before their exam.
We will take blood and urine analyses to ensure it's safe for your pet to undergo anesthesia. Additional diagnostics, such as an ECG or chest radiographs may also be conducted if they are needed.
Once your pet is under anesthesia, we will conduct a complete oral examination (tooth by tooth) and charting.
- Treatment
We then clean your pet's teeth and polish them as well as take x-rays.
If we identify advanced periodontal disease in your pet's gums, we will take the time to discuss a treatment plan with you.
- Prevention
We will schedule a complementary follow-up exam with you for two-weeks after our assessment and treatment.
During this visit, we will advise you on our recommended dental care routines for your at home care. We can also recommend products that can help improve your pet's oral health.
FAQs About Pet Dental Care
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from our patients about pet dental care.
- Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
Just like their owners, pets can develop gum disease or tooth decay due to poor oral hygiene.
Just like us, when our pets eat, plaque sticks to their teeth and can build up into tartar if not brushed away regularly.
This can cause mouth infections, periodontal disease, loose and missing teeth, and tooth decay. Because of this, regular dental care is key to maintaining your pet's oral health.
- How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
Did you know that your pet's behaviour can be a reliable indicator of their oral health issues? If your companion is experiencing dental problems, they might drool excessively (and the drool may contain pus or blood), or you may notice them pawing at their mouth or teeth. They also may stop grooming properly, grind their teeth, or yawn frequently.
Other signs of oral health problems include bad breath, swollen gums, and tooth discoloration. Some pets may even suffer from pain that keeps them from eating. Read more about symptoms to the left under Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams.
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a dental appointment with us.
- What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
Besides causing issues from bad breath to cavities and periodontal disease, oral health issues can lead to failure in your pet's kidneys, liver, heart, and other organs.
Cysts or tumors may develop. Your pet may also not feel well in general (if you've ever had a toothache, you know how it can affect your mood!). In addition, diseases related to oral health conditions can shorten the lifespan of your pet and cause significant pain.
Because of all of this, regular dental care is key to your pet's overall health, happiness, and well-being!
- What happens during a pet teeth cleaning appointment?
During an oral exam, your vet will check your pet's mouth and teeth for emerging health conditions or symptoms which may need treatment.
The vet will clean tartar and other debris from your cat's or dog's teeth. If cavities, gingivitis, or other conditions need to be addressed, the vet will explain these to you and provide advice on which actions you should take.
In some instances, your pet's oral health issue will require surgery. We will provide your pet with anesthesia before their procedure to make sure they are comfortable and don't experience any pain. We will also discuss the special care your pet will need after their surgery.
- What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
At home, you should brush your pet's teeth on a regular basis and give them dental chew toys. These will help eliminate plaque.
Don't allow your pet to chew on things like bones, hard toys or objects that might damage their teeth. Always contact your vet with any questions you might have about your pet's oral health.
Veterinary Dentistry: Anesthesia & Your Pet's Oral Health
Cats and dogs do not understand what is going on during dental procedures, and will often react to dental procedures by struggling or biting. We provide anesthesia to all of our patients before performing dental procedures. This puts less stress on your pet and allows us to x-ray their mouth as needed.