Canine and Feline Dentistry

Regular dental care does more than just prevent bad breath- it keeps your pet's whole body healthy! Clean teeth and a healthy mouth are essential to your pet's overall health. Dentistry under general anesthesia, including scaling, polishing, thorough oral examination, and full mouth dental radiographs, is recommended once yearly for most dogs and cats. Dr. Lauren Grider has a special interest in dentistry and can perform many dental procedures right here at our hospital.

Your pet's safety and comfort is our top priority. All dental procedures are performed in our state-of-the-art dental suite. Recent full bloodwork is required prior to all dental procedures. General anesthesia is required for effective dentistry so that the periodontal space may be sufficiently cleaned. An intravenous catheter is placed prior to anesthesia for safety. Intravenous fluid therapy is utilized while the pet is under anesthesia to maintain blood pressure and provide hydration. Your pet will receive a thorough dental cleaning with sterilized instruments. The veterinarian will perform an oral examination and record their findings in each patient's file. Finally, full mouth intraoral radiographs (x-rays) will be taken to screen for problems below the gum line, where 60% of the tooth structure lies.

Occasionally some pets have significant dental issues that require advanced care. When this occurs, a referral to a dental specialist, such as Dr. Bert Gaddis, may be needed.