Stonebriar Veterinary Centre • Frisco, TX | www.stonebriarvet.com > Dental Care > Comprehensive Dental Care

Comprehensive Dental Care

February 11, 2010 • Stonebriar Vets

Oral disease is the most common health problem for pets.
By the age of three, approximately 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have already developed periodontal disease. Left untreated, the infection can lead to tooth loss and bacteria from the mouth can spread through the bloodstream and cause kidney, liver, and heart problems. Oral disease is treatable regardless of the age of your pet and can be prevented by following a program of regular veterinary exams and a home dental care routine.

Routine dental care has become an integral part of the prevention of periodontal disease and tooth loss in our pets. Dogs and cats both suffer from plaque and tartar build up which leads to gingivitis and periodontal disease. The periodontal disease is what causes tooth loss. We can prevent these from occurring in your pet with regular oral exams and cleanings as well as ongoing home care.

The best equipment and products available
We have invested in the best equipment and products available along with ongoing staff education and training to ensure your pet receives the safest and most effective procedure available.

A dental exam and cleaning involves the following:

• Rinsing of the mouth completely with an antibacterial solution followed by a complete oral exam. In addition to looking at all the surfaces of the teeth this identifies any problems of the throat, pharynx, hard and soft palates, tongue, and gingival tissue.
• Ultrasonic scaling of all tooth surfaces by highly trained and skilled veterinary nurses. We use iM3 ultrasonic scalers, which are the top of the line equipment. These are disinfected and maintained daily for the best result every time.
• Polishing all surfaces of the teeth with a high speed polisher and fine prophy paste to smooth the tooth surface and help prevent rough areas where bacteria and plaque can attach.
• Radiographs are taken as directed by the doctor. These allow us to identify fractures of teeth, abscessed roots, and periodontal disease that can cause your pet pain. We often find lesions during a routine dental exam and cleaning that we were unaware of before we had radiographs of the teeth. We can offer better treatment options for your pet with this capability. (Dental x-ray equipment is vital to providing the level of care your pet’s need)
• Fluoride foam is applied to all teeth to help protect and strengthen the enamel.
• A sealant is applied to slow attachment of bacteria and plaque to the tooth surfaces. This product (Oravet) can be applied at home on a weekly basis.
• A final check of the mouth and teeth is done by the doctor.