Comprehensive Dental Care for Cats & Dogs
Routine dental care is a key component of your dog or cat's oral and overall health. However, many pets don't actually receive the oral hygiene care they need to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
At our veterinary center in Ocala, we provide comprehensive dental service for your beloved pet, ranging from basic cleanings, examinations and polishing to dental x-rays and surgeries.
We also make a point of providing dental health education to pet owners about home dental care for their pets.
Pet Dental Surgery in Ocala
We know that discovering that your pet require dental surgery can be an overwhelming prospect. We work to ensure that this process remains as stress-free as possible for both you and your pet.
We will do everything we can to make sure that your pet's experience with us is comfortable and easy. We will break down each step of the process for you in detail, including any pre- or post-operative care you will need to provide your companion.
We offer jaw fracture repair surgeries, tooth extractions, and gum disease treatment for dogs and cats.
Cat & Dog Teeth Cleaning & Exams
Just like at your annual checkup with your dentist, your cat or dog should come in for dental care at least once per year. pets who are more prone to dental problems may need to see us more often though.
Paddock Park Animal Care Center can assess, diagnose and treat dental health problems in cats, dogs and other small domestic animals.
- Symptoms
If you notice any of the following symptoms in your pet, it's time for a dental checkup.
- Tartar buildup
- 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
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Assessment
A thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment will be completed for your pet before the dental exam.
We take a blood and urine analysis of your pet to make sure it is safe to have them undergo anesthesia. Additional diagnostics, like chest radiographs or ECGs may also be required depending on your pet's overall health.
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 your pet's gum line) and we will take dental x-rays. Then, our vets will apply a fluoride solutions and treatment to each individual 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.
- Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
Our pets can develop periodontal disease or tooth decay just like people when their oral health is not maintained.
When your pet eats, plaque sticks to their teeth and can build up into tartar if not brushed regularly.
This can lead to oral infections, periodontal disease, tooth decay and missing or damaged teeth. Because of this, regular dental care is essential to preventing disease and pain in your 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 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 problems ranging from bad breath, cavities and severe gum disease, these oral health issues can lead to diseases in your pet's kidneys, liver, heart and other areas of their 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.
The vet will clean tartar and other debris from your cat's or dog's teeth. If cavities, gingivitis, or other conditions need to be addressed, the vet will explain these to you and provide advice on which actions 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
Your pet won't understand what is going on during their dental procedures and will often react by struggling or biting.
Our Ocala veterinarians provide anesthesia to all of our patients before performing dental procedures. This places less stress on the animals and allow up to x-ray their mouths as required.
