Complete Dog & Cat Dental Care
Routine pet dental care is crucial to ensure the oral health of your cherished pet, but most pets don't receive the oral hygiene care necessary to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
At our Corpus Christi veterinary clinic, we are proud to provide comprehensive dental care for your pet, from routine dental health exams, teeth cleanings and polishing, to urgent dental surgeries to restore your pet's oral health.
We also know how important at-home oral care can be and pride ourselves on providing our clients with exceptional advice to ensure that their pet receives the best care at all times.
Pet Dental Surgery in Corpus Christi
It can be overwhelming when you find out that your beloved pet needs dental surgery. Our goal is to make you and your pet as comfortable as possible.
We want your entire experience with us to be stress-free and easy. We will always thoroughly discuss the procedure with you, including information about preparation and post-operative care requirements.
At our clinic in Corpus Christi, we are able to offer jaw fracture repair surgeries, tooth extractions, and gum disease treatment for dogs and cats.
Oral Care For Your Pet's Teeth
It is recommended that all pets receive an oral checkup annually and pets who are more prone to dental problems than others may need to see us more often.
Our vets at Riverside Veterinary Clinic will thoroughly examine your pet, providing treatment options that work for you.
- Symptoms
It is a good time to come in for a dental checkup if you see any of these signs:
- Tartar buildup
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Bad breath
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
- Discolored teeth
- Assessment
Your vet will complete a full physical checkup for your pet prior to the dental exam.
During the pre-exam checkup, we will perform diagnostic testing such as blood and urine analyses to ensure the health and safety of your pet to undergo anesthesia. Additional diagnostics, such as chest radiographs or an ECG may also be recommended.
Once we have safely administered the anesthesia and it has been successful, we will conduct a complete oral examination (tooth by tooth) and charting.
- Treatment
Next, your vet will clean each of your pet's teeth above and below the gum line and take x-rays. We then apply a fluoride treatment to each tooth.
The final step will be to add an extra layer of plaque protection by applying a sealant. If your vet spots signs of advanced periodontal disease they will discuss their findings with you and develop a treatment plan for your pet.
- Prevention
It is typically recommended to have a follow-up exam to ensure the success of all dental surgeries a few weeks afterward.
At the follow-up visit your vet will take the time to discuss any necessary at-home care that will help to ensure the ongoing oral health of your companion.
Pet Dental Care FAQs
We are always happy to answer any questions, here are some of the questions we hear the most:
- Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
Poor oral health can lead to periodontal disease and tooth decay which can affect the overall health of your pet.
After an animal has eaten, plaque sticks to their teeth and unless their teeth are brushed afterward that plaque can build up.
This build-up is caused by bacteria and if left untreated it can lead to infections in the mouth, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and even loose or missing teeth. Routine oral health care is the only way to ensure that these conditions do not occur.
- How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
If your pet is experiencing poor oral health there will be signs of these conditions, some pets may drool excessively and you might notice pus or blood in the drool. One of the most common signs pawing at their mouth or teeth due to any discomfort they are experiencing. They may also yawn excessively, grind their teeth, or stop grooming sufficiently.
Some other signs of oral health problems that might be easily spotted include bad breath, swollen gums, and tooth discoloration or in advanced cases, your pet may suffer from pain that keeps them from eating. Read more about symptoms to the left under Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams.
- What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
Cavities and bad breath are some common early signs of oral health concerns and will eventually become severe periodontal disease without treatment. Oral health issues and conditions have the ability to lead to disease in the liver, kidney, heart, and other areas throughout your pet's body.
It is possible for cysts or tumors to develop. You may find that your pet's overall demeanor has shifted significantly. In addition, diseases related to oral health conditions can shorten the lifespan of your pet and cause significant pain.
The best way to ensure that your pet leads a long, healthy life, free of dental conditions is with regular oral care.
- What happens during a cleaning appointment?
Teeth cleanings will happen during a routine oral care visit. Your vet will thoroughly examine your pet's mouth and teeth looking for any signs or symptoms of oral health conditions.
Then your vet will clean any plaque, tartar or other debris from your cat's or dog's teeth. If your vet spots any issues such as cavities or excessive plaque build-up, they will discuss these findings with you and provide advice on which actions you should take.
our vet will typically try to keep surgery as a last resort, there are times when surgery may be the only option. Your pet will be provided with anesthesia prior to the dental procedure in order to ensure they are comfortable and do not experience any pain, as well the safety of everyone involved. With anesthesia, special care will be necessary post-surgery.
- What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
At-home care is fairly simple to provide. Your pet's oral health will benefit from regular teeth brushing as well as special dental toys and treat that will help to clean your pet's teeth while they chew.
Take great care to never allow them to chew on things that will damage their teeth, such as bones, toys or objects that are too hard. If you ever have any questions or concerns regarding your pet's oral health please feel free to give your vet a call or come in for a visit.
Anesthesia & Your Pet's Oral Health
Dental procedures can be a stressful experience for your pet, during the process your pet could struggle and cause injury to themselves or others.
Anesthesia is provided prior to all dental services that we perform. Our Corpus Christi vets require the use of anesthesia on all pets that we perform any oral health procedure on in order to ensure the safety of everyone involved and to minimize stress for your animal companion.