Cat & Dog Dentist in Dallas
Routine pet dental care is an important part of cats' and dogs' oral and overall health, but most pets do not receive the oral hygiene care they require to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
We provide complete dental care for your pet at our Dallas veterinary hospital, from basic dental exams, teeth cleanings, and polishing, to dental x-rays and surgeries.
We also make it a point to educate pet owners on how to care for their pets' teeth at home.
Pet Dental Surgery at New Hope Animal Hospital
We understand how upsetting it can be to learn that your pet requires dental surgery. We make every effort to ensure that this process is as stress-free as possible for both you and your pet.
We'll do everything we can to make your pet's stay with us as pleasant as possible. Before the procedure, we'll go over each step in detail with you, including the preparation and post-operative care requirements.
For dogs and cats, we provide jaw fracture repair surgeries, tooth extractions, and gum disease treatment.
Cat & Dog Teeth Cleaning & Exams
Your dog or cat should have a dental examination at least once a year, just like you do. Pets who are more prone to dental problems than others may require more frequent visits.
New Hope Animal Hospital is capable of assessing, diagnosing, and treating dental health issues in cats and dogs.
- Symptoms
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 or dropping food from the mouth
- Discolored teeth
- Assessment
Before the dental exam, your pet will undergo a thorough pre-anesthetic physical examination.
We will take blood and urine analyses to ensure it's safe for your pet to undergo anesthesia. Additional diagnostics, such as chest radiographs or an ECG may also be conducted.
We will perform a complete oral examination (tooth by tooth) and charting once your pet is anesthetized.
- Treatment
The teeth are then cleaned and polished (including beneath the gum line), and x-rays are taken. Each tooth is then given a fluoride treatment.
Finally, a dental sealant is applied to prevent plaque from adhering to the enamel. If advanced periodontal disease is discovered, the veterinarian will devise a treatment plan and consult with you on it.
- Prevention
Ideally, two weeks after the initial assessment and treatment appointment, a follow-up examination will be scheduled.
We will discuss how to implement teeth brushing at home during this visit. Additionally, we can recommend products that can aid in the improvement of your pet's oral 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?
As a result of poor oral hygiene, our pets can develop periodontal disease or tooth decay.
When animals eat, plaque adheres to their teeth, just like it does in humans, and if not brushed away regularly, tartar can form.
Infections in the mouth, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and even loose or missing teeth can all result from this. That's why, in order to avoid gum disease or pain, it's critical to see a dentist on a regular basis.
- How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
Did you know that your behavior can be an indicator of oral health issues? If your pet has dental problems, you may notice them drooling excessively (which may contain pus or blood) or pawing at their mouth or teeth. They may also yawn excessively, grind their teeth, or fail to groom adequately.
Bad breath, swollen gums, and tooth discoloration are other signs of oral health problems.
Some pets may even experience pain that prevents them from eating. More information about symptoms can be found on the left under Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams.
- What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
Apart from causing dental problems ranging from cavities and bad breath to severe periodontal disease, oral health problems and conditions can result in disease in your pet's liver, kidney, heart, and other organs.
Cysts or tumors can form. Additionally, your pet may be unwell in general (if you've ever had a toothache, you understand how a toothache can affect your mood!). Additionally, diseases associated with oral health conditions can shorten your pet's lifespan and cause significant pain.
This is why routine dental care is critical for the physical health and well-being of animals.
- What happens during pet teeth cleaning appointments?
During your pet's routine oral exam, the veterinarian will examine his or her mouth for any oral health issues or symptoms that require treatment.
Tartar and other debris will be removed from your cat's or dog's teeth by the veterinarian. If cavities, gingivitis, or other issues need to be addressed, the veterinarian will explain them to you and advise you on how to proceed.
Surgery will be required in some cases to treat serious conditions. Before their dental procedure, your pet will be given anesthesia to ensure that they are comfortable and pain-free. However, special attention will be required following 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?
Brushing your pet's teeth and providing dental chew toys should be done on a regular basis at home. These will aid in the removal of plaque.
Allow them to chew on things that will harm their teeth, such as bones, toys, or hard objects. If you have any questions or concerns about your pet's oral health, always contact your veterinarian.
Veterinary Dentistry: Anesthesia & Your Pet's Oral Health
Cats and dogs have no concept of what is occurring during dental procedures and frequently react by struggling or biting.
Our Dallas vets administer anesthesia to all of our patients before performing dental procedures, similar to what dentists do for nervous or anxious patients. This causes the animals less stress and allows us to x-ray their mouth as needed.
