Did you know that routine dental checkups are among the best ways to protect your pet’s health and help ensure they live a long, happy life?
By the age of 3, more than 80% of dogs and over 70% of cats develop dental conditions, such as periodontal disease, abscesses, infected or broken teeth, oral cysts, fractured jaws, and malocclusions.
Routine dental appointments can prevent dental diseases by maintaining your pet’s healthy teeth and gums. Conditions causing severe gum pain and tooth loss can have a serious impact on the quality of life for a cat or dog, affecting their ability to eat and often leading to secondary diseases of the kidney, heart, and liver.
The good news is that you can maintain your pet’s oral health through annual wellness checks and dental visits with a veterinarian. Make an appointment for your pet’s dental checkup today at Midway Animal Hospital, where our veterinary team can catch dental issues well before they pose a severe risk to your pet.
Common Dental Visit Procedures
When your pet visits Midway Animal Hospital for their routine health exam, they will also receive a dental examination from their veterinarian. If one of our veterinarians notices tartar buildup, broken teeth, inflammation, or infection, they will likely recommend a full dental visit, including a teeth cleaning. We use anesthesia to keep pets comfortable and safe during any dental procedures we perform at Midway.
During a full dental exam under anesthesia, we will thoroughly evaluate your pet’s teeth and gums. We use dental x-rays (radiographs) to find any potential diseases under the gums that would not be visible with just a routine exam. From there, we will be able to better diagnose any dental health problems and review the best treatment options for your dog or cat.
If no severe periodontal or other dental issues are apparent, your pet will receive a general tooth and gum cleaning. However, advanced oral problems may require your veterinarian to develop a more extensive treatment plan to return your pet’s oral health to an optimal state.
At-Home Dental Care for Your Pet
Maintaining your cat’s or dog’s oral health starts at home. You should brush a pet’s teeth and gums regularly to prevent plaque. Dental chew toys can also be a fun way to avoid tartar and plaque buildup.
Do you need an in-depth oral care plan for your cat or dog? Our veterinary team can assist with developing an at-home oral maintenance plan for each pet. We can also recommend effective products that will improve and maintain your pet’s oral health.
Visit Us Today at Midway Animal Hospital in Alpharetta
Take charge of your cat’s or dog’s oral health today by starting with a dental exam at Midway Animal Hospital in Alpharetta, GA.
We are an AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) accredited practice. Our caring and experienced team is ready to provide outstanding service for pets and owners alike. If you have any further questions about our pet dental services or would like to schedule an appointment, contact our team in Alpharetta by calling Midway Animal Hospital at 770-475-2003.
