Dental Care
at BVH
If we examine your pet and note
bad breath, tartar buildup or gingivitis, we may recommend a dental
cleaning. A complete cleaning requires removal of plaque under the
gum line and this can only be done under general anesthesia. This
means your pet will spend the day or overnight in the hospital.
- About the Anesthesia
- We recommend inhalant (gas) anesthesia as the safest anesthesia available.
- What will be done to my pet's teeth?
- First any buildup is removed with high speed dental equipment. Next the teeth are evaluated for periodontal disease, such as pockets in the gum tissue or loose teeth. Then the teeth are polished. Finally, a fluoride treatment is applied to strengthen the tooth enamel.
- What if gingivitis is present or pockets are found?
- These conditions are often complicated by bacterial infection and an antibiotic may be prescribed. Deep pockets may require dental surgery at another time. Your veterinarian will discuss this with you after the procedure.
- What if there are diseased or loose teeth?
- Some loose teeth may be extracted if there is no hope of saving the tooth.
- How much does it cost?
- We will be happy to give you an estimate which includes anesthesia, hospitalization, dental cleaning and polishing, fluoride treatment, and hospital medication.
- Will there be additional charges?
- We recommend that all patients over five years of age have a BUN (kidney test) and that all patients over ten years have a presurgical screen which includes PCV, TP, BUN and ALT (a liver test) before anesthesia is administered. Also any extractions or restorative work would involve additional charges.
- What can I do at home to keep my pet's teeth healthier?
- In our pharmacy we carry pet toothbrushes, toothpaste and gel which can all be used in a home care program to keep the teeth cleaner and healthier. We also carry a prescription diet, Hills T/D which is helpful in preventing tartar buildup.