Aside from bad breath, your pet may develop gum recession, cavities, periodontitis, and loose teeth. Research data has shown a link between dental disease and many other common health problems such as heart, liver, lung and kidney disease.

Like a human dentist, our board-certified Veterinary Dentist treats conditions in your pet such as malocclusions, jaw fractures, and oral cancer. Root canals, crowns, and vital pulp therapy are also common procedures in veterinary dentistry.

Cleanings, Surgery and Treatments

Ensuring proper dental care calls for a joint effort between the pet owner and the veterinarian. In addition to regular deep cleanings at the veterinary hospital, dogs and cats should also have a regular tooth brushing daily, or at least twice a week.

Periodontal procedures

• Treatment of all stages of periodontal disease: This is a condition related to an infection of the soft tissues and bone supporting the teeth.
• Tooth scaling and polishing
• Root planing
• Mucogingival surgery for guided tissue and bone regeneration: Surgery as an alternative to a tooth extraction.

Endodontic procedures

• Root canal therapy for fractured teeth/pulpitis/pulp exposure: This treats the inside of the tooth to prevent/treat infection.
• Vital pulp therapy for acute pulp exposure in young animals/crown reductions

Oral surgery

• Difficult and/or extensive dental extractions
• Jaw fracture repair and stabilization
• Oronasal fistula repair: This treatment closes open communication between the mouth and nose to prevent/treat infection.
• Dislocated teeth stabilization
• Palatal defect repair
• Oral Tumors: Maxillectomies and Mandibulectomies are types of surgery to remove a portion of the upper or lower jaw. Common oral tumors include:
  • Fibromatons/ossifying epulus
  • Malignant melanoma
  • Acanthomatons ameloblastoma
  • Squamous cell carcinoma
  • Fibrosarcoma

Oral Disease Management

• Stomatitis: More common in cats, stomatitis is a severe inflammation of the entire mouth with an unknown cause.
• Tooth resorption
• Oral manifestations of systemic disease
• Oral autoimmune disorders

Orthodontic procedures

• Correction of traumatic malocclusions: This is where the upper and lower teeth don’t align properly – resulting in teeth hitting other teeth or into the gums/palate.
• Placement of orthodontic appliances
• Bite evaluations

Restorative Procedures

• Cast metal crowns
• Composite fillings/esthetic bonding