Dentistry

Good oral care makes a huge difference to every small animal’s life. Here at Avenida Pet Clinic, we encourage our clients to start early with dental care through the use of teeth-cleaning techniques for both dogs and cats. It’s not only important for keeping your pet smiling happily, but also protects the other organs from the complications that can go hand-in-hand with dental problems.

Common signs of dental disease include:

  • Tartar buildup
  • Red and swollen gums
  • Bad breath
  • Changes in eating or chewing habits
  • Pawing at the face
  • Generalized depression
  • Drooling
  • Eating to one side or dropping food out of the mouth

The good news about dental disease is that it can be prevented and/or treated using both home and veterinary dental care. We are committed to helping you learn about the dental care your pet needs, from home teeth brushing dental diets proven to prevent tartar to in-clinic dental care, including x-rays of the teeth and oral surgery when it’s recommended.

Dental Procedure at Avenida Pet Clinic

A step-by-step look into what happens during your pet’s dental procedure

First, the pet is thoroughly assessed and prepared for general anaesthesia. This is where the AHT and assistants place the IV catheter, check vital signs, and administer premedication. Blood tests are also performed if needed.

Avenida Pet Clinic
Avenida Pet Clinic

After the pet is anaesthetized, full-mouth digital dental radiographs are taken. This is a very important step as a lot of dental lesions are below the gum line and cannot be found during oral exams.

After radiographs are completed, Dr. Milcius assesses them and takes notes on any lesions or other abnormal findings.

Avenida Pet Clinic
Avenida Pet Clinic

The next step is to probe the teeth for any periodontal pockets, gum loss, or tooth lesions and do a thorough exam for any pathology.

After oral assessment and charting is done, local anesthetic is administered. Then Technician scales and cleans the teeth using both ultrasonic and manual scaling tools. After scaling is completed the teeth are polished and rinsed.

Avenida Pet Clinic
Avenida Pet Clinic

After the teeth are cleaned and polished Doctor will perform extractions if any are indicated. All extraction sockets are rinsed and debrided before closing with absorbable sutures.

Avenida Pet Clinic

Here is the patient’s mouth before the procedure

Avenida Pet Clinic

And here are the teeth after the procedure!