Dental Care Services for Pets

As much as you care for your loyal companion, most times it is almost impossible to examine their mouth. This is why they need dental exams with a licensed professional. Our team will use diagnostic tools such as X-rays, along with anesthesia, to detect dental disease and remove plaque from their teeth. These yearly exams can save their gums, teeth and improve their overall health.

What happens during a dental visit?

Much like your own dentist, the cleaning and X-rays will be performed by one of our technicians. Our team works carefully to ensure the safety of your loyal companion. During their cleaning, they will be put to sleep to ensure they are relaxed and comfortable. One of our veterinarians will then examine the X-ray results as well as the patient’s teeth. If necessary, our veterinarians have the skills and experience to perform extractions and to identify and treat other dental issues such as tooth fractures, bone loss and abscess at the root.

Why is general anesthetic necessary for dental cleanings?

To ensure the safety of our staff members and your pet, we only perform dental procedures while our patients are fully sedated. Having your pet undergo anesthetic can understandably be worrisome for many owners, please do not hesitate to ask any questions or voice concerns you may have while the doctor is discussing the dental procedure with you. General anesthetic allows us to deep clean the teeth, keeping plaque and build up at bay for longer. 

Why are X-rays necessary for dental cleanings?

A full set of dental X-rays is performed during every dental visit to take a deeper look at the oral cavity. At Ambleside Animal Hospital we use digital X-rays which provide quicker and clearer images. With X-rays, we can inspect below the gum line where disease often hides.

What are signs that my cat or dog has dental problems?

Here are the signs that are related to dental issues in cats and dogs:

1. Abnormal eating or chewing
2. Bad breath
3. Bleeding, swollen or red gums
4. Blood on their chew toys
5. Depression
6. Excessive drooling
7. Pawing at the face
8. Yellow or brown buildup on their teeth