Veterinary Dentistry & Dental Surgery in Tucson

Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams

Like at your yearly checkup with your dentist, your cat or dog may have to come in to us for a veterinary dentistry examination at least once per year. Pets who are more prone to dental health issues may need to come in for a dental checkup more often.

Pet Doctor 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.

  • Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
  • Loose and/or broken teeth
  • Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
  • Bad breath 
  • Tartar buildup
  • Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
  • Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth 
  • Discolored teeth 
  • Bleeding from the mouth

  Contact Us to Book a Dental Checkup
• Assessment

  A comprehensive pre-anesthetic physical assessment will be completed for your pet before their dental examination.

  We will take blood and urine analyses to ensure it's safe for your pet to undergo 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

  Next, your cat or dog's teeth will be cleaned and polished (both above and below their gum line) and x-rays will be taken. We will then apply as fluoride treatment to each of your pet's teeth.

  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

  Ideally, we will schedule a follow-up examination with you pet will be scheduled for two weeks following our initial assessment and treatment appointment.

  During this visit, we will discuss implementing teeth brushing at home. We can also recommend products that can help improve your pet's oral health. 

FAQs About Veterinary Dental Services

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 lead to infections in the mouth, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and even loose or missing teeth. That's why regular dental care is essential to preventing pain or disease in the gums.

• How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?

  Did you know that your pet's behaviors can indicate oral health issues? If your pet is experiencing dental health problems, they may drool excessively, paw at their teeth or mouth, grind their teeth, cease sufficiently grooming, or yawn more than usual.

  Other signs of oral health problems include bad breath, swollen gums, and tooth discoloration. Some pets may even suffer from pain that keeps them from eating. Read more about symptoms to the left under Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams. 

• What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?

  Besides causing problems ranging from cavities and bad breath to severe periodontal disease, oral health issues and conditions can lead to disease in the liver, kidney, heart, and other areas throughout your pet's 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 a pet teeth cleaning appointment?

  During your pet's routine oral health examination, our vet will assess your pet's mouth in order to detect any oral health issues or symptoms which may be in need of treatment.

  We will clean tartar and plaque, as well as other debris, from your dog's or cats' teeth. If we detect any cavities, gum disease or other health conditions which require treatment, we will explain this to you and provide you with advice about what course of action we think would be best.

  In some cases, surgery will be needed to treat serious conditions. Your pet will be provided with anesthesia before their dental procedure to ensure they are comfortable and do not experience any pain. However, special care will be needed post-surgery. 

  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.