Dental Care
At Veterinaire Pet Care of Jersey City, we are committed to our patients’ dental health and implement the highest quality pet dental care. We take a comprehensive approach, including dental health assessment, treatment, and prevention to ensure your pet maintains optimal oral health throughout their life.
The Importance of Dental Health
Many health problems start in the mouth. Plaque, tartar, periodontal disease, and infected teeth serve as a source of inflammation and infection for the rest of the body. Dental disease is also a significant source of pain for pets. There are many ways that dog and cat owners can help their veterinarian provide a healthy mouth for their pet.
Dental disease can occur in pets of all ages, but if your pet is 3 years or older, they likely have tartar and plaque build-up on the teeth and probably need a professional dental cleaning. Research shows that by the age of three, approximately 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of periodontal disease. Older pets that lack preventive dental care and cleanings will have advanced tartar buildup and some degree of gum disease.
How Dental Disease Develops
The problem begins when plaque and tartar are allowed to build up on your pet’s teeth. Plaque harbors harmful bacteria, which can infect gum tissue and the root system of the teeth. This causes pain and can result in healthy teeth having to be extracted because the root structure has been compromised. Without proper pet dental care, these infections can spread to vital organs, potentially impacting your pet’s overall health and longevity.
Our Professional Dental Cleaning Process
Regular professional cleaning by Veterinaire Pet Care is important to maintaining your pet’s health at any age. Dental cleanings must be performed under general anesthesia in order to properly and safely examine and clean the teeth. We use modern and safe ultrasonic equipment; each tooth is thoroughly cleaned above and below the gum line. Dental technicians polish the teeth to create a smooth, lustrous surface that is more resistant to plaque buildup.
After the teeth are cleaned and polished, we’ll perform a thorough oral exam and check each tooth for any signs of dental disease (gum loss, root exposure, pockets around the root). Digital dental radiographs may be recommended to evaluate the health of tooth roots and surrounding bone structures that aren’t visible during a standard examination.
Advanced Dental Treatments
Extensive dental disease may require tooth extraction. Many teeth require oral surgery to safely remove each individual root. Our veterinary team has extensive training and experience to perform these procedures properly. Oral nerve blocks are performed, and additional injectable pain medications are administered if teeth are extracted. Your pet will also be sent home with oral pain medication.
Pets recover quickly following these procedures, and once the gums have completely healed, they resume eating their regular dry kibble even when multiple teeth are extracted.
Home Dental Care Recommendations
Comprehensive pet dental care includes both professional cleanings and home care. During your visit, we’ll provide recommendations for home dental care products and techniques tailored to your pet’s specific needs. Regular toothbrushing, dental diets, and appropriate chew toys can all play important roles in maintaining your pet’s oral health between professional cleanings.
Schedule Your Pet’s Dental Examination
Don’t wait until dental disease becomes advanced and painful. Contact Veterinaire Pet Care today at (201) 839-6939 to schedule a comprehensive dental examination and professional cleaning for your pet.