Most people don’t realize the impact that an infected mouth has on their pet. Gingivitis and periodontal disease are even more common in pets than in people, but you wouldn’t necessarily know it from looking at them. The teeth we routinely see are the canines and incisors in the front of the mouth. These teeth may appear clean and healthy while the less visible molars may harbor infection. Infected teeth and gums can cause pockets to develop which can lead to tooth root abscesses. The bacteria can then spread, via the blood-stream, to other parts of the body.
When your pet is brought in for a dental cleaning, the teeth will be cleaned with an ultrasonic scater that removes tartar and the bacteria. We will examine the gum-line and check for pockets that may have developed between the gum and teeth. We polish the teeth and apply a sealant to help prevent future dental disease. If there is significant decay or bone loss around the roots, we surgically extract the affected teeth.
