Dental Care for Dogs & Cats Include Exams & Teeth Cleaning

The veterinarians at Orchard Park Veterinary Medical Center know that pets with good dental hygiene live longer, healthier lives. As such, our wellness programs for dogs and cats include regular dental exams and cleaning. We offer a two-table dental suite for the ultimate in care for our patients.

Why Pet Dental Care Is Important

Dental plaque and tartar build up on your pet’s teeth. This buildup causes bacteria to enter the bloodstream through the gums, which may damage the vital internal organs over time.

Studies show that 75–85% of all pets over the age of six years have some form of periodontal disease. Early treatment is essential to prevent further damage to the structures in the mouth and to prevent tooth loss.

Our veterinarians and technicians regularly attend continuing education classes in veterinary dentistry, enabling us to utilize the most current preventive procedures. Many of our licensed technicians are specially trained and have obtained additional certification in performing dental procedures.

We recommend annual dental exams as part of a complete wellness program. However, if your pet develops bad-smelling breath or you notice a decrease in appetite, a dental exam is essential.

Teeth Cleaning at OPVMC

All dental visits require admission to our hospital, as your pet will be anesthetized for safety and to reduce stress. Prior to administering anesthesia, we examine your pet, conduct pre-operative blood tests, and evaluate the bite to identify abnormal wear patterns or instance of oral cancer.

Dental procedures at OPVMC may include the following:

Oral examination of each tooth under anesthesia
Digital dental X-rays, as needed
Extractions for severely diseased teeth
Calculus removal from the visible part of the teeth
Sub-gingival (below the gum line) scaling, root planning, and curettage, where indicated
Tooth polishing
Irrigation
Fluoride application
A post-cleaning exam
Dental charting to keep a record of abnormalities

Read more about quality pet dental care in the AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats.

Dental Home Care

We provide each pet owner with home care instructions for maintaining good oral health after the dental cleaning. We answer your questions prior to discharge and offer follow-up support as needed. Our goal is to provide your pet with the highest level of dental care possible for long life and improved health.