Services

Dental Radiography

An essential part of a complete oral exam is an x-ray study of the teeth and its surrounding structures.  As much as 2/3 of the tooth lies underneath the gum line.   Also, greater than 30% of adult cats have a degenerative dental condition called feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions that is often only detectable with dental radiographs.

Periodontics

Periodontal (gum) disease is the most common infectious disease in dogs and cats.  Eighty-five percent of all pets at the age of three have some level of periodontal disease.  Antibiotics cannot control these gum infections because the bacteria live in a protective film in which the drugs cannot penetrate.  Thorough dental cleanings under anesthesia are needed to control these infections.  In conjunction with the cleanings, we offer advanced periodontal procedures when indicated.  We also recommend diligent home care.  Brushing at least every other day is the most effective method of plaque control.

Orthodontics

Misaligned teeth can cause pain, irritation, infection, and possibly tooth loss.  Often orthodontic techniques can provide the simplest way to resolve these problems.  We also provide pet-breeding clients with bite evaluations that can help them identify genetic abnormalities in prospective breeding animals.

Endodontics (Root Canal Therapy)

Pets often injure their teeth.  Frequently they break their teeth and expose the pulp (nerve).  These teeth are painful and always become infected.  A discolored tooth is also an injured tooth due to bruising inside the tooth.  These teeth are often non-vital.  Broken and discolored teeth can frequently be salvaged by an endodontic (root canal) procedure.  The only other option is extraction.  The larger and more important the tooth, the greater the need for root canal therapy.

Exodontics (Extractions)

Unfortunately, there are times when teeth cannot be salvaged with periodontal or endodontic therapies.  In these instances, extraction of the teeth is recommended.  Often these require advanced surgical techniques to ensure complete root removal.

Symptoms

• Often a swelling under the eye, with or without a draining tract, indicates a tooth root abscess. 
• Cats are often afflicted with a severe inflammatory condition of the mouth called stomatitis.  These cats often benefit from full mouth extractions.
  
  

Oral Surgery

Regrettably, dogs and cats develop a number of benign and malignant tumors that require aggressive surgery for long-term control.  Although some of these surgeries require the removal of portions of the jaw, cats and dogs adjust very well and live happy lives.  The earlier these problems are addressed, the better the long-term success.

Restorative Dentistry

Animals can have defects in the enamel covering of the teeth exposing the dentin underneath.  Dentin is porous and potentially bacteria can travel through the dentin tubules, infect the pulp, and eventually lead to pulp death.  With restorations, we can seal the dentinal surface and restore the tooth appearance.