Scale & Polish
A professional dental clean, often referred to as a “scale and polish,” is a specialised procedure aimed at not only removing visible plaque and tartar from your pet’s teeth but also addressing the bacteria that reside beneath the gum line, which cannot be effectively managed through at-home dental care routines. Dental cleaning plays a crucial role in preventing future tooth decay and gum disease, and we highly recommend scheduling routine scale and polish procedures to ensure your pet’s oral hygiene remains at an optimal level. Your pet’s dental health is an integral part of their overall well-being, and our dedicated team is committed to providing them with the best care possible.
Teeth Extractions
There are several potential reasons why your pet may require a tooth extraction, with periodontal disease being one of the most common causes. Dental extraction is a critical procedure because it provides relief from pain and infection once a diseased tooth is removed, and the affected area is thoroughly cleaned of infected debris. Infections stemming from periodontal disease can cause discomfort, unpleasant odours, and pose a risk to major organ systems if bacteria from an infected tooth enter the bloodstream.
In addition to periodontal disease, other factors that may necessitate tooth extractions in pets include:
- Fractured teeth: Teeth that are damaged or fractured beyond repair may need to be extracted to prevent further pain and complications.
- Stubborn deciduous teeth (baby teeth): Sometimes, baby teeth do not naturally fall out as adult teeth come in, requiring extraction to prevent dental issues.
- Oral trauma: Traumatic injuries to the mouth can result in damaged or broken teeth that may need to be extracted for the pet’s well-being.
- Oral tumours: The presence of tumours or abnormal growths in the mouth may necessitate tooth extraction as part of the treatment plan.
- Orthodontic abnormalities: In cases where misaligned teeth or jaw abnormalities cause pain or hinder proper oral function, tooth extraction may be recommended.
Our goal is to ensure the comfort and health of your pet, and tooth extractions are performed when necessary to address these various dental issues and maintain their overall well-being.
Dental X-rays
Dental x-rays for pets closely resemble those used in human dentistry and serve as a vital diagnostic tool in assessing and planning the treatment for your pet’s oral health. These x-rays provide veterinarians with the capability to look inside your pet’s teeth and examine areas beneath the gumline that are not visible externally.
It’s important to note that dental problems in pets are not always apparent from the outside, as approximately 60% of a tooth is hidden beneath the gums. X-rays offer a comprehensive view of the tooth, its roots, adjacent bone structures, and also allow for the assessment of the nasal cavity, sinus, and nearby blood vessels and nerves. This detailed imaging helps our veterinarians accurately determine the extent of dental disease, enabling them to provide the necessary treatment to alleviate any pain or discomfort your pet may be experiencing.
By utilizing dental x-rays, we can ensure a thorough evaluation of your pet’s oral health, leading to better-informed treatment decisions and improved overall well-being for your furry companion.
Dental Care at Home
Daily dental maintenance should ideally be a part of your routine at-home pet care, but even brushing your pet’s teeth twice a week can effectively remove most plaque before it has a chance to harden into tartar. There are several ways you can proactively manage your pet’s dental health at home, and our clinic offers a range of products to assist you in this endeavor.
We stock various dental care products designed for pets, including specially designed pet toothbrushes and toothpaste, dental treats, dental diets, and water additives. These products can make it easier for you to maintain your pet’s oral hygiene.
Feeding a high-quality dental diet is another excellent method for keeping your pet’s teeth clean. At Marburg Veterinary Clinic, we offer prescription diets specifically tailored to provide your pet with a healthy, well-balanced diet while also helping to reduce the buildup of plaque and calculus on their teeth.
Our trained staff is always ready to provide guidance on which dental care options are best suited to your pet’s breed and your lifestyle. By incorporating these practices into your pet’s routine, you can contribute to their overall dental health and well-being.