Veterinary Dentistry & Dental Surgery
Our vet dentists at Park Pet Hospital provide expert preventative and restorative dental health care ranging from dog and cat dental checkups to oral surgery.
Comprehensive Dental Care for Cats & Dogs
Routine dental care is a key component in dogs' and cats' both oral and general health. However, many pets don't receive the care that they need in order to keep their gums and teeth healthy.
At Park Pet Hospital we are proud to provide comprehensive dental care services for your pet ranging from routine dental checkups, tooth polishings and cleanings, to dental surgeries and x-rays.
We strongly believe in educating pet owners about the importance of at-home dental care for their four-legged family members.
Pet Dental Surgery in Lethbridge
We know that finding out that your pet requires dental surgery can be a stressful experience. However, we do everything we can to make the process as comfortable and stress free as possible for both you and your beloved pet.
We are committed to ensuring that your pet has a comfortable experience while in our care. We will walk through each step of the dental surgery with you in detail before starting, including any pre- or post-operative care you will need to provide them.
We offer a range of services for dogs and cats, from tooth extractions to gum disease treatment.
Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams
It is recommended to bring your pet in once a year for a dental checkup. If your dog or cat is more prone to oral health issues, you may need to see us more often than that.
At Park Pet Hospital, our veterinarians can identify, diagnose and treat dental health problems in dogs and cats.
- Symptoms
It's time for a dental checkup if you see any of these symptoms in your pet:
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Discoloured teeth
- Tartar buildup
- Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Bad breath
- Assessment
A complete physical examination and dental checkup will be required prior to any dental procedure.
This will include taking urine and blood samples for analysis in order to determine whether or not it is safe to administer anesthesia to your pet.
Chest radiographs, an ECG or other additional diagnostics may also be conducted.
During surgery, we will conduct a complete oral examination including charting of all teeth.
- Treatment
Over the course of treatment, our technicians clean and polish your pet's teeth (both above and below the gum line) and take x-rays. We will also administer a fluoride treatment to each tooth.
Finally, a dental sealant is applied to prevent plaque from attacking the enamel. If advanced periodontal disease is discovered, a custom treatment plan will be developed and the veterinarian will discuss it with you.
- Post-Operative Care
We will schedule a follow-up appointment two weeks after the dental procedure.
FAQs About Pet Dental Care
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about pet dental care.
- Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
Did you know that just like us, our pets can be impacted by tooth decay or periodontal disease as a result of poor oral health?
Plaque sticks to our pets' teeth, too. If it's not brushed away regularly, it can build up into tartar, which can lead to infections in the mouth, tooth decay, periodontal disease and loose or missing teeth.
Therefore, regular dental care is vital to preventing disease or pain in the gums.
- How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
Did you know that your pet's behaviour may indicate oral health problems? If your pet is experiencing oral health issues, they may paw at their teeth or mouth. You may also notice them drool excessively (the drool may contain blood or pus).
Excessive yawning, an interruption in grooming, or teeth grinding are other signs they should see a vet.
When it comes to appearance and scent, discoloured teeth, bad breath and swollen gums are telltale symptoms. If they are suffering from pain, they may stop eating. Find out more about symptoms to the left under Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams - Symptoms.
- What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
Oral health issues can result in bad breath, severe periodontal disease and more.
Long-term, if left untreated, oral health issues can lead to heart, kidney and liver disease.
Your pet's general health may decline and he or she will become more uncomfortable (think toothaches that can impact their mood). Diseases associated with oral health conditions may also shorten his or her lifespan and result in significant pain.
This is why regular dental care plays such an important role in your pet's physical health and well-being.
- What happens during my pet's pre-surgical dental health exam appointment?
During your pet's dental health exam, the veterinarian will inspect his or her mouth to look for any signs of oral health issues or symptoms that require treatment and create a plan.
In some cases, serious conditions will require surgery. During a dental procedure, your pet will be given anesthesia to ensure they are comfortable and will not experience any pain. However, you'll need to provide special care after the procedure and carefully follow the veterinarian's post-op instructions.
Schedule a dental appointment with us if you notice any of these symptoms in your pet.
- What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
When it comes to at-home oral health care for your pet, brush his or her teeth regularly and provide dental chew toys to help eliminate plaque.
Prevent them from chewing on things that can damage their teeth, such as objects or toys that are too hard, or bones. Feel free to contact your veterinarian with any questions or concerns about your pet's oral health.
Veterinary Dentistry: Anesthesia & Your Pet's Oral Health
Because cats and dogs do not understand what is going on during dental procedures, they will often react by biting or struggling. That's why we provide anesthesia to all of our patients before performing dental procedures. This places less stress on the pet and allows us to x-ray their mouth as required.