Comprehensive Pet Dental Care
Routine pet dental care is a key component of cats' and dogs' oral and overall health, but most pets don't actually receive the oral hygiene care they need in order to keep their gums and teeth healthy.
At our veterinary hospital in Los Angeles County, we provide a comprehensive range of dental health services for your pet, from basics like cleanings and polishing to surgeries and x-rays.
We also make a point of providing dental health education to pet owners about home dental care for their pets.
Pet Dental Surgery in Los Angeles County
We know that discovering that your pet requires dental surgery can be an overwhelming experience. We strive to make this process as stress-free as p[possible both for you and your pet.
We will do everything we can to make sure that your pet's experience with us is both easy and comfortable. We will walk through each step of the process with you in detail before the procedure. This will include any preparations or post-operative care you will need to provide your pet with at home.
We offer jaw fracture repair surgeries, tooth extractions, and gum disease treatment for dogs and cats.
Cat & Dog Teeth Cleaning & Exams
Much like your annual checkup at the dentist, your dog or cat should come in for a dental examination at least once a year. Pets who are more prone to dental problems than others may need to see us more often.
Animal Hospital of Redondo Beach can assess, diagnose and treat dental health problems in cats and dogs.
- Symptoms
If you notice any of the following symptoms in your pet, it's time for a dental checkup.
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Tartar buildup
- Discolored teeth
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Bad breath
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
- Assessment
A thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment will be completed for your pet before the dental exam.
We will take both urine and blood samples to make sure that it is safe for your pet to undergo anesthesia. Additional diagnostics, such as chest radiographs or an ECG may also be conducted.
Once your pet is under anesthesia, we will conduct a complete oral examination (tooth by tooth) and charting.
- Treatment
Next, the teeth are cleaned and polished (including under the gum line) and x-rays are taken. We then apply a fluoride treatment to each tooth.
The last step is to apply a sealant to your pet's teeth to prevent the buildup of plaque and degradation of their enamel. If our vets find advanced periodontal disease, we will develop a treatment plan and discuss it with you.
- Prevention
Ideally, a follow-up examination will be scheduled two weeks after the initial assessment and treatment appointment.
During this visit, we will speak with you about implementing tooth brushing at home. We will also be able to recommend products that can help to improve your pet's oral and overall health.
FAQs About Pet Dental Care
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from our patients about pet dental care.
- Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
Our pets can develop periodontal disease or tooth decay as a consequence of poor oral health.
Just like in people, when our pets eat, plaque sticks to their teeth and can build up into tartar if it isn't brushed away routinely.
This can lead to infections in the mouth, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and even loose or missing teeth. That's why regular dental care is essential to preventing pain or disease in the gums.
- How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
Did you know behavior may be an indication of oral health problems? If your pet is experiencing dental problems, they drool excessively (and the drool may contain pus or blood), or you may notice them pawing at their mouth or teeth. They may also yawn excessively, grind their teeth, or stop grooming sufficiently.
Other signals of poor oral health can include bad breath, tooth discoloration and swollen gums. Some pets may even suffer from pain that stops them from eating altogether. For more information about symptoms, read Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams to the left.
- What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
Besides causing problems ranging from cavities and bad breath to severe periodontal disease, oral health issues and conditions can lead to disease in the liver, kidney, heart, and other areas throughout your pet's body.
Cysts or tumors may develop. Your pet may also not feel well in general (if you've ever had a toothache, you know how it can affect your mood!). In addition, diseases related to oral health conditions can shorten the lifespan of your pet and cause significant pain.
This is why regular dental care is so essential to animals' physical health and wellbeing.
- What happens during a pet teeth cleaning appointment?
During your pet’s regular oral exam, the vet will examine his or her mouth and look for oral health conditions or any symptoms needing treatment.
Our vets will be able to clean debris and tartar from your pet's teeth. If oral health conditions like tooth decay or periodontal disease is detected, we will explain them to you and provide some advice about what action you should take.
In some cases, surgery will be needed to treat serious conditions. Your pet will be provided with anesthesia before their dental procedure to ensure they are comfortable and do not experience any pain. However, special care will be needed post-surgery.
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a dental appointment with us.
- What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
At home, you should brush your pet's teeth on a regular basis and give them dental chew toys. These will help eliminate plaque.
Do not allow them to chew on things that will damage their teeth, such as bones, toys or objects that are too hard. Always contact your vet with any questions or concerns regarding your pet's oral health.
Veterinary Dentistry: Anesthesia & Your Pet's Oral Health
Cats and dogs do not understand what is going on during dental procedures, and will often react to dental procedures by struggling or biting.
Similar to the anesthesia provided to nervous or anxious patients by dentists, our Los Angeles County vets provide anesthesia to all of our patients before performing dental procedures. This puts less stress on the animals and allows us to x-ray their mouth as needed.
New Patients Welcome
Animal Hospital of Redondo Beach is accepting new patients! Our experienced vets are passionate about the health of Los Angeles County companion animals. Get in touch today to book your pet's first appointment.