Veterinary Dentistry
Our veterinary team at Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital provides restorative and preventative dental care and surgery for dogs and cats in the Tracy area.
Comprehensive Dental Care
Routine dental care is a key component of dog's and cat's oral and overall health, however, many pets aren't able to receive the veterinary dental care they need in order to keep their gums and teeth healthy.
At our Tracy veterinary hospital, we provide complete dental care for your pet, from basics such as dental exams, teeth cleanings and polishing, to dental x-rays.
We are also passionate about dental health education about home dental care for pet owners.
Dental Surgery in Tracy
In addition to our routine dental care services, Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital also offers dedicated dental surgery services for your pet. We are committed to restoring your pet's oral health and helping them stay healthy and happy.
Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams
Your pet should come in for a dental examination with our vets at least once per year. Dogs and cats who are more prone to dental problems than others may need to see us more often.
Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital can assess, diagnose and treat dental health problems in cats and dogs.
- Symptoms
If you notice any of the following symptoms in your pet, it's time for a dental checkup.
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Bad breath
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Abnormal chewing, drooling or dropping food from the mouth
- Tartar buildup
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Assessment
We will provide your pet with a complete physical assessment before their dental exam to determine if they are able to receive an anesthetic.
We will take urine and blood samples to see if it is safe to administer anesthesia. Additional diagnostics, such as chest radiographs or an ECG may also be conducted.
Once your pet is under anesthesia, we will conduct a complete oral examination (tooth by tooth) and charting.
- Treatment
After that, we will clean and polish your pet's teeth both below and above their gum line. We will take x-rays and apply a fluoride treatment to each tooth as well as charting.
The final step is to apply a dental sealant to prevent plaque from attaching to the enamel. If advanced periodontal disease is found, the veterinarian will develop a treatment plan and discuss it with you.
- Prevention
A complimentary follow-up examination will be scheduled two weeks after the initial assessment and treatment appointment.
During this appointment, we will speak with you about implementing dental health care at home, from brushing to dental chew toys. We will be more than happy to provide recommendations for products which will help your pet improve their oral health.
FAQs About Pet Dental Care
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from our patients about pet dental care.
- Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
Our pets can develop periodontal disease or tooth decay as a consequence of poor oral health.
Just like in humans, when animals eat, plaque sticks to their teeth and can build up into tartar if not brushed away regularly.
This can cause periodontal disease, mouth infections, tooth decay and even missing or loose teeth in your pet. That's why regular dental care is key to preventing pain or disease in your pet's gums.
- How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
Did you know behavior may be an indication of oral health problems? If your pet is experiencing dental problems, or they may drool excessively (and the drool may contain pus or blood), or you may notice them pawing at their mouth or teeth. They may also yawn excessively, grind their teeth, or stop grooming sufficiently.
Signs of oral health problems can also include swollen gums, tooth discoloration and bad breath. Some pets can even suffer from pain which stops them from eating.
- What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
On top of causing problems from cavities and bad breath to gum disease, oral health issues can also lead to health issues in your pet's kidneys, liver, heart and other organs throughout their body.
Cysts or tumors may develop. Your pet may also not feel well in general (if you've ever had a toothache, you know how it can affect your mood!). In addition, diseases related to oral health conditions can shorten the lifespan of your pet and cause significant pain.
This is why regular dental care is so essential to animals' physical health and wellbeing.
- What happens during pet teeth cleaning appointment?
In the course of your pet's routine oral exam, our vets will examine their mouth and check for symptoms and signs of oral health conditions which may require treatment.
The vet will clean tartar and other debris from your cat's or dog's teeth. If cavities, gingivitis or other conditions need to be addressed, the vet will explain these to you and provide advice on which actions you should take.
In some cases, your pet will require surgery in order to treat serious conditions. You can learn more about our dental surgery services here.
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a dental appointment with us.
- What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
At home, you should brush your pet's teeth on a regular basis and give them dental chew toys. These will help eliminate plaque.
Do not allow them to chew on things that will damage their teeth, such as bones, toys or objects that are too hard. Always contact your vet with any questions or concerns regarding your pet's oral health.
Veterinary Dentistry: Anesthesia & Your Pet's Oral Health
Your pet doesn't understand what is happening during a dental procedure and will often react to them with struggling or biting.
We provide anesthesia for each of our patients before performing dental procedures to help reduce their stress and allow us to perform the procedures we need to on them without issue.