Veterinary Dentistry & Dental Surgery
Dental Care For Dogs & Cats
Routine dental care is a critical component of keeping cats and dogs healthy and pain-free. However, many dogs and cats don't receive the dental care they need to keep their teeth strong and protect their oral health.
At our veterinary hospital in Ottawa, we provide dental services for your pet, from dental exams, teeth scaling and polishing to dental X-rays and surgeries.
We are also happy to provide dental health education to pet parents about cleaning teeth and what you can do at home to protect your cat or dog's oral health.
Dental Surgery for Dogs & Cats in Ottawa
We perform dental surgery for cats and dogs to remove problematic teeth and restore good oral health.
We will do all we can to make this process as stress-free as possible for you and your dog or cat. Your pet will be anesthetized before dental surgery to ensure comfort and avoid pain. We'll explain each step of the procedure to you, including preparation and post-operative care requirements.
Teeth Cleaning & Examinations
Annual dental checkups are important to caring for your dog or cat's overall health. Detecting oral health issues early can help prevent your pet from experiencing pain or discomfort due to tooth decay, broken teeth or periodontal disease.
Pet dental checkups often involve two or more appointments and typically involve the following:
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Pre-Anesthetic Assessment
A thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment will be completed for your pet before the dental exam.
We will perform blood tests and urinalysis to ensure that your pet can safely tolerate anesthesia. Additional diagnostics, such as X-rays to get a more detailed picture of your pet's oral health, may also be conducted.
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Administering Anesthesia
Our veterinary team uses anesthesia on all pets undergoing dental care. This allows us to perform a thorough examination and cleaning and capture any required X-rays safely and efficiently without undue stress on the pet.
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Oral Examination & Cleaning
Once your dog or cat is safely under anesthesia, we will complete a tooth-by-tooth oral examination and charting. Their teeth will be cleaned and polished, including under the gum line. We then apply a fluoride treatment to each tooth to prevent plaque from attaching to the enamel.
If there are signs of any issues affecting their oral health, your veterinarian will develop a custom treatment plan, including dental surgery, and discuss it with you.
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Follow-up Exam & Home Care
Most of the time, a follow-up examination will be scheduled two weeks after the initial appointment.
During this visit, we will take a quick look at the area(s) previously treated, discuss any concerns and provide advice on at-home care for your pet's teeth.
FAQs About Pet Dental Care
To learn more about pet dental care, read through our answers to these frequently asked questions by our clients.
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Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
Due to poor oral health, dogs and cats can develop periodontal disease or tooth decay. While eating, plaque can stick to their teeth and build up into tartar if not cleaned away regularly.
Annual veterinary dental care can help to prevent conditions such as periodontal disease, tooth decay, and even loose or missing teeth.
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How often does my pets need their teeth cleaned?
We recommend that most dogs and cats see a veterinarian for a dental checkup once a year. If your veterinarian has determined that your pet is more prone to dental problems than others, they may require more frequent appointments.
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How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
If you notice any of the following symptoms in your pet, it's time for a dental checkup.
- 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
- Dropping food from the mouth
- Discoloured teeth
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What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
Poor oral health can lead to problems such as cavities, bad breath and periodontal disease, as well as disease in the liver, kidney, heart, and other areas throughout your pet's body.
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What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
Brushing your pet's teeth regularly and providing dental chew toys can help control plaque buildup. Speak to your veterinarian to learn more about caring for your dog or cat's teeth between veterinary appointments.
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Why does my pet require anesthesia for their dental appointment?
Cats and dogs cannot understand what is going on during dental procedures, and in some cases, they may react by struggling or biting. Using anesthesia during dental appointments can prevent pets from becoming stressed and allows us to examine their mouths safely.
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What dental issues may require dental surgery as treatment?
Dental health issues that may require surgery include cracked or broken teeth, tooth decay, severe gum disease (periodontitis), jaw fractures, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, luxation or dysplasia, and feline stomatitis.
New Patients Welcome
Our veterinary team would love to get to know your dog or cat and provide them with high-quality veterinary care. Contact us today to book an appointment for your companion.