Houston Pet Dental Care
As humans, we brush our teeth twice a day and go to the dentist every six months for a cleaning…or at least we’re supposed to! Your dentist takes X-rays to look at our teeths’ roots and structure and then scale (clean) all the tartar and junk off. They finish by polishing them.
Even with all the preventative care we do, we still sometimes get cavities or need root canals—or worse!
So, can you imagine how much gunk and bacteria your pets accumulate without being able to brush their teeth daily? Not to mention all the questionable things they chew on or pick up outside.
This is why it is so vital for us to keep up with preventative dental care for our pets! Not only are they unable to maintain proper oral hygiene on their own, but they also can’t communicate when they are in pain or have discomfort.
Proactive dental care doesn’t just help bad breath; it can actually add two to three YEARS to your pet’s life! So, what do we mean by “proactive dental care?” Read more on our blog about how to be proactive with your pet’s dental health.
To schedule an appointment for dental care, call us at 713-659-0650.
The Dental Cleaning Process
The Dental Exam
Pre-Surgery Blood Work
Before putting your pet under anesthesia, we will perform a pre-anesthetic blood profile to maximize your pet’s safety and alert your pet’s doctor to any presence of dehydration, diabetes, blood clotting disorders, and/or kidney or liver disease, which could complicate the procedure. These conditions may not be detected unless we perform a pre-anesthetic profile. In addition, the results of these tests may be useful later to develop faster, more accurate diagnoses and treatments in the event that your pet’s health changes.
Preparation
When your pet arrives on the day of the dental cleaning, your veterinarian will perform an examination, including an evaluation of their heart and respiration, to ensure they are healthy enough to undergo anesthesia. Your pet’s veterinarian will review your pet’s history and the pre-anesthetic blood work to assess possible risks and create a specific plan for your pet’s anesthetic protocol. Your pet will receive an IV catheter, which allows us an easy route to administer medications and fluids to support kidney function and blood pressure during the dental cleaning. We will also place monitoring equipment on your pet to constantly observe your pet’s vitals before, during, and after the procedure.
Dental Radiographs
Once your pet is stabilized under anesthesia, our technicians will begin the dental cleaning. They will start by taking full-mouth dental radiographs, which allow our doctors to assess the root of every tooth and the bone surrounding them. Even if the teeth appear healthy, these X-rays reveal the structure below the gum line, which is not visible to the naked eye. Your doctor will use these images to assess whether we need to extract teeth. After the doctor removes any diseased, fractured, or infected teeth, we will perform another round of X-rays to give us a before-and-after comparison and ensure the stability of the mouth.
Dental Cleaning
The dental cleaning consists of scaling each tooth to remove tartar and debris. We use state-of-the-art instruments similar to what you might see at your own dental office. Once all the teeth have been scaled, we will polish them on all sides using a dental prophy paste. Finally, we will rinse and dry the mouth and apply a sealant, which we let sit on your pet’s teeth for 1-3 minutes before wiping clean.
Affordable Pet Dental Care in Houston
For quality pet dental care in Houston, trust our team at Garden Oaks Veterinary Center. We are AAHA accredited, Feline Friendly Certified, and prepared to give your pet the attention, respect, and love they deserve. We offer a range of services with options to accommodate all budgets.
We hope you’ll allow our veterinary hospital to shower your pets with the love and care they deserve!
Garden Oaks Veterinary Center is conveniently located at 3408 N Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX.
To make an appointment, call us at 713-659-0650 or book online. We can’t wait to put a smile on your pet’s face.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should my pet have their teeth cleaned?
That depends on several factors, including their age, breed, diet, and dental health history. Generally, we recommend having your pet’s teeth cleaned once a year. However, if your pet has dental health issues, you may need to bring them in more regularly. We are happy to give you information specific to your pet during their next checkup.
What are the risks of not cleaning your pet’s teeth regularly?
Failing to clean your pet’s teeth regularly can lead to severe problems. The plaque and tartar accumulating on their teeth can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and the deterioration of surrounding tissues. Additionally, poor dental health could lead to other health issues. For example, bacteria from oral infections can enter the bloodstream and lead to organ damage, heart disease, or kidney failure. Tooth pain and illness can significantly decrease your pet’s quality of life, so we recommend you stay vigilant in maintaining their dental health.
Can I clean my pet’s teeth at home?
Yes, teeth cleaning is something that pet owners can do at home. However, it’s important to note that regular dental checkups with the veterinarian are still necessary for maintaining proper dental health. We encourage you to ask one of our veterinarians or technicians about providing at-home dental care for your pet and avoid researching online. We can give you personalized advice.
What tools do I need to do my pet’s teeth cleaning at home?
Generally, you will need a toothbrush, toothpaste, a finger brush, and other products like dental chews. We ask that you consult with us before purchasing or using any of these items, as your pet may require specialized care or tools.
How often should my pet have their teeth examined by the vet?
We recommend that you have your pet’s teeth examined by a veterinarian at least once a year as part of their annual wellness exam. However, some pets may require more frequent dental checkups and cleanings.