Dog & Cat Dental Care in Rocklin, CA
Just like humans, it is important for cats and dogs to receive routine teeth cleanings and dental checkups. Dental care is an important aspect of overall pet health but most pets don't receive the oral hygiene they need to ensure healthy teeth and gums.
At Rocklin Road Animal Hospital our veterinary dentists provide complete dog and cat dentistry services. We offer dental exams, teeth cleaning and polishing, dental X-rays, and dental surgeries when needed.
We also provide education to pet owners about the best way to provide their animals with dental care at home.
Dental Surgery in Rocklin
Finding out your pet needs dental surgery can be stressful. At Rocklin Road Animal Hospital we strive to make the process as comfortable as possible for both you and your pet.
We'll explain each step of the process before the procedure begins, and encourage you to ask as many questions as necessary. We will provide detailed instructions on how to prepare for surgery and how to care for your pet post-surgery.
We offer jaw fracture repair surgeries, tooth extractions, and gum disease treatment for dogs and cats.
Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams
Regular examinations are an essential part of preventative health for your cat or dog. If your pet is prone to dental problems they may need to visit us more often.
At Rocklin Road Animal Hospital we 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.
- 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
A thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment will be completed for your pet before the dental exam.
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.
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 final step is to apply a dental sealant to prevent plaque from attaching to the enamel. If advanced periodontal disease is found, the veterinarian 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 discuss implementing teeth brushing at home. We can also recommend products that can help improve 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. Don't see the answer to your question? Please don't hesitate to contact us.
- 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 humans, when animals eat, plaque sticks to their teeth and can build up into tartar if not brushed away regularly.
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?
Sometimes oral health issues can be seen in your pet's behavior. If your pet is experiencing dental problems they may drool excessively (and the drool may contain pus or blood), paw at their mouth or teeth, or grind their teeth. They may also yawn excessively or have trouble grooming themselves.
Other signs of oral health problems include bad breath, swollen gums, and tooth discoloration. Some pets may even suffer from pain that keeps them from eating. Read more about symptoms to the left under Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams.
- What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
Besides causing bad breath, poor oral health can lead to serious issues such as cavities, severe periodontal disease, cysts, and tumors. It can also cause serious discomfort for your pet (if you've ever had a toothache, you'll understand!).
Oral health conditions can also affect other areas of the body and can lead to disease in the liver, kidney, or heart and overall contribute to a shorter lifespan for your pet.
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, our Rocklin vet will examine his or her mouth and look for oral health conditions or any symptoms that need treatment.
The vet will clean tartar and other debris from your cat or dog's teeth as well as below their gum line. If cavities, gingivitis, or other condition are present, your vet will talk to you about available treatment options and next steps.
Your pet will be provided with anesthesia before dental procedures to ensure they are comfortable and do not experience any pain.
- 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 Rocklin veterinary dentists provide anesthesia to all of our patients before performing dental procedures. This puts less stress on the patient and allows us to adequately clean every surface of every tooth, including under the gum line, and to evaluate the condition of each tooth to determine if an extraction or further tooth care is needed.