Pet Dentistry
As you may be aware, dental disease not only affects us but can affect our much loved pets too, so regular checks are important in maintaining your pet’s gleaming white smile.
Dentistry checks and treatments available for your pet
Our team here at North Nowra Veterinary Hospital are happy to check your pet’s teeth and go through what kind of treatments we provide for your pet’s dental hygiene. This may include the following:
- Dental check – which involves examining the teeth and gums for any signs of tartar buildup, gingivitis or tooth decay. This helps us to prevent further infection or problems getting out of hand.
- Scale and polish – done under general anaesthetic (your pet is given support while asleep which includes being kept warm with a heat pad, bloods are taken before they are anaesthetised to ensure all health parameters are within a normal range, intravenous fluids are given to ensure a quick recovery and a manicure, pedicure and a ear pluck if necessary, which makes your pets make over complete! Your pet’s teeth are scaled and polished which involves scaling the tarter off each tooth and then polishing them until they shine
- Extractions – done at the same time as the scale and polish, the teeth are removed if only absolutely necessary with your consent
- Each tooth’s pocket (the area between the tooth and the gum) is measured to ensure there is no infection
- Antibiotics and pain relief are given if required
- The patient goes home with a Dental Care Starter Kit which includes a toothbrush, sample toothpaste and dental chews.
Dental Radiology for your pet
We are fortunate to have a dental x-ray machine to take images of your pet’s teeth when they visit us for a dental procedure. Dental x-rays are recommended because 2/3 of the tooth sits below the gum line, out of sight. Tartar and inflammation works its way under the gums and all the way to the root.
Dental x-rays enable Veterinarians to view additional problems that may not be visible on an oral examination. In one study over 50% of pets had problems that would not have been identified without dental x-rays.
Some problems that can be seen include, tooth root abscess, tooth resorption and bone loss which are all incredibly painful. If we can pick up these problems early and at the time of treatment it can save running into complications in the future.
Preventative Dental Care for your pet
- Teeth brushing (only use pet toothpaste)
- Dental specific diet, like Royal Canin Dental Biscuits
- Chicken necks, carcass or kangaroo tail
Other services
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NURSING TEAM
We would like to introduce our caring and well trained nursing & reception team who endeavour to provide your pets with the best possible nursing care and who supply you with up to date information on how to ensure the wellness of your pet.
