Veterinary Dentistry & Dental Care
The vets at our Oakland veterinary clinic provide preventive and restorative veterinary dental health care and surgery for dogs and cats.
Comprehensive Dental Care for Cats & Dogs
The health of our pets' teeth is a critical factor in their overall health and longevity. However, most pets do not receive the oral hygiene care they need to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
Our Oakland veterinary dentists provide comprehensive dental care for your pet, from basics such as dental exams, teeth polishing and cleaning, to dental x-rays and simple to complex extractions.
We also passionate about educating pet owners regarding dental health and home dental care for their furry companions.
Simple to Complex Extractions in Oakland
Finding out your pet needs an extraction can feel overwhelming if you've never had to bring them in for a procedure. At East Bay Veterinary Clinic, we strive to make the process as seamless and stress-free as possible, for both you and your pet.
We'll do everything within our power to ensure your pet's experience with us is easy and comfortable. Each step of the process will be explained in detail before the procedure, including any preparation and post-operative care that may be required.
We also offer tooth extractions, gum disease treatment and jaw fracture repair surgeries for cats and dogs.
Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams
At least once per year, your pet should come in for a dental exam. Cats and dogs who are more susceptible to dental issues than others may need to visit us more often.
Our vets at East Bay Veterinary Clinic can assess, diagnose and treat your cat's or dog's dental health problem.
- Symptoms
If your pet displays any of these symptoms, please bring them in for a dental checkup.
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Swelling or pain in or around the mouth
- Broken and/or loose teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Tartar buildup
- Discoloured teeth
- Bad breath
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
- Assessment
Before the dental exam, the vet will perform a thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment.
Blood and urine analyses will be taken to confirm that your pet can be safely put under anesthesia. Additional diagnostics, such as ECG or chest radiographs may also be conducted.
Once your pet has been put under anesthesia, a complete oral examination (tooth-by-tooth) and charting will be conducted.
- Treatment
Next, the vet will clean and polish the teeth (including below the gum line) and take x-rays. A fluoride treatment will then be applied to each tooth.
Your vet's final task is to apply a dental sealant to prevent plaque from sticking to the enamel. If the vet discovers advanced periodontal disease, a custom treatment plan will be developed and discussed with you.
- Prevention
Your vet will schedule a complimentary follow-up examination for two weeks after the initial assessment and treatment appointment.
At this visit, we will explain how to implement teeth brushing at home. We also may recommend products to help improve your pet's oral health.
FAQs About Pet Dental Care
These are some of the most frequently asked questions from our patients about dental care.
- Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
Tooth decay or periodontal disease can result from poor oral health.
Similar to humans, plaque sticks to our pets' teeth when they eat. If this plaque is not brushed away regularly, it can harden into tartar.
This can lead to infections in the mouth, loose or missing teeth, or advanced periodontal disease. That's why we advocate for regular dental care as vital to preventing pain or disease in your pet's gums.
- How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
Your pet's behavior may indicate oral health problems. If your pet is encountering dental issues, you may notice excessive drool (which can contain blood or pus), or you may see them paw at their teeth or mouth. They may also grind their teeth, stop grooming sufficiently or yawn excessively.
Other signs of oral health issues include swollen gums, tooth discoloration and bad breath. Some pets may endure so much pain that they avoid eating. Find out 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 leading to issues ranging from bad breath and cavities to advanced periodontal disease, oral health conditions and problems can lead to disease in the heart, liver, kidney and other areas of your pet's body.
Your pet may not feel very well in general (think of how a toothache can impact your mood). Tumors or cysts may also develop. In addition, your pet's longevity can be threatened by oral health conditions, and they may endure significant pain later in life.
For all these reasons, dental care is imperative to our pets' physical health and wellbeing.
- What happens during a pet teeth cleaning appointment?
When your vet performs a regularly scheduled oral exam, he or she will examine your pet's mouth to look for any oral health symptoms or conditions that require treatment.
Tartar and other debris will be cleaned from your dog's or cat's teeth. If gingivitis, cavities or other conditions need to be treated, the vet will discuss these with you and give advice on any actions you can take to address them.
In some cases, serious conditions will require surgical treatment. We will provide your pet with anesthesia prior to the dental procedure to ensure their comfort, and so they won't experience any pain. However, you may need to administer special care after surgery.
If you see any of these symptoms in your pet, book a dental appointment with us.
- What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
You should brush your pet's teeth at home regularly and give them dental chew toys to help eliminate plaque.
Do not allow your four-legged friend to chew on things that may damage their teeth, such as objects that are too hard, toys or bones. If you have any questions or concerns about your pet's oral health, do not hesitate to contact your vet.
Veterinary Dentistry: Anesthesia & Your Pet's Oral Health
Because dogs and cats do not understand what's going on during dental procedures, they'll often react by biting or struggling. Before performing dental procedures, we provide anesthesia to all of our patients. This means your pet will experience less stress, while allowing us to x-ray their mouth as required.