Dentistry

SHOW OFF YOUR PET’S SMILE

Regular dental care is just as important to your pet’s health as annual wellness checkups. The most common disease in dogs and cats is dental disease and our Dallas veterinary dentist is here to keep your pets smiling. Buckner Animal Clinic offers a variety of dental services to meet your pet’s needs. We’ll conduct an initial exam of your pet’s mouth and jaw before we recommend any dental treatment.

If your pet has avoided the dentist for as long as you have, call (214) 665-8828 to schedule an oral exam today.

PERIODONTAL DISEASE & YOUR PET

Dental disease is very common in dogs and cats. If left untreated, dental disease can cause infections, pain, and even the loss of teeth. Don’t let your pets suffer!

Periodontal disease starts with plaque, just like humans. Plaque is a bacterial film which builds up on the teeth if you don’t brush your pet’s teeth regularly. As the bacteria dies, this film hardens and allows for more surface on which the plaque can accumulate. Even at this stage, brushing your pet’s teeth can do a lot of good. Chewing hard food or certain toys can also help to dislodge the plaque buildup on your pet’s teeth.

However, if you let the plaque build for too long, it can move below the gum line. At this point, professional cleaning is the only way to completely get rid of it. Leaving plaque buildups for too long can lead to infections which can destroy your pet’s teeth and the surrounding tissue.

What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?

• Bad breath

• Blood in saliva or water dish

• Loose teeth

• Trouble eating

You and your pet can avoid periodontal disease entirely if you are diligent with regular dental care. Regular dental checkups, as well as brushing your pet’s teeth at home, can make an enormous difference in your pet’s oral health.

DENTAL CLEANINGS

In cases where periodontal disease has progressed, your pet might need dental cleaning under general anesthesia. Buckner Animal Clinic is fully equipped to handle surgeries and anesthesia, so your pet will be in good hands throughout their dental cleaning.

What does a dental cleaning under anesthesia look like?

• Pre-surgery exam

  – Your pet will be examined by one of our Dallas veterinarians and have lab tests done prior to being placed under anesthesia

• Dental cleaning

   – Our veterinarians will use similar tools to human dentists to remove plaque and polish your pet’s teeth

• Fluoride treatment

   – After your pet’s teeth are cleaned, our veterinarians will use an anti-plaque treatment like fluoride to prevent future dental issues

Once your pet has had a proper dental cleaning, it’s all about maintenance! Remember to brush your pet’s teeth regularly and come in for regular checkups.