Services
Pet Dentistry and Dental Digital X-Rays
Dental Services at Advanced Pet Care of Sedalia: Utilizing Modern Technology for Optimal Pet Oral Health
For most of us, caring for our teeth and gums has been a part of our daily routine for as long as we can remember. Just like you, your pet needs dental care too. Proper dental care is vital for the continued good health of your pet. If undetected, dental disease results in infected gums, bad breath, and tooth loss, not to mention pain and discomfort. Periodontal disease is the most prevalent disease in dogs and cats. 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over three already show signs of periodontal disease. Many of these have progressed to a stage which is not reversible.
Comprehensive Dental Treatment
Our comprehensive dental treatment plan begins in the exam room. Prior to scheduling your pet’s dental procedure, our doctor will assess the pet. At the same time, they are awake to ensure that it is a good anesthetic candidate and grade the level of your pet’s periodontal disease so we can give you an accurate treatment plan estimate. Veterinary dentistry requires general anesthesia, similar to “sleep dentistry” in people who are uneasy with dental procedures. Anesthesia is maintained with isoflurane gas and oxygen through a breathing tube placed into the trachea (windpipe). Pre-anesthetic blood work and an intravenous catheter and fluids are recommended for all anesthetics. They are required for all pets over the age of seven and pets with certain medical conditions. After the doctor has answered your questions or concerns, the dental procedure is scheduled.
Our professional dental cleaning includes:
An ultrasonic scaler is used to remove plaque and tartar from each surface of each individual tooth. A periodontal ultrasonic tip is inserted into any existing pockets to clean any tartar that is beneath the gum line.
The exterior of each tooth is polished with a fluoride paste to remove any stains and smooth any indentations from the tooth surfaces.
The mouth is flushed with an oral disinfectant.
Extractions are performed by the doctor only when a tooth is permanently damaged or severely decayed. Often, the ligaments that hold the teeth firmly in the mouth have been softened and destroyed by long-term exposure to infection. A nerve block is performed prior to the extraction of any teeth. After the doctor has extracted the tooth, the socket is flushed, and the gingival tissue is sutured shut to speed healing and reduce patient discomfort. Pets with teeth extracted are given pain medication to ensure a comfortable recovery. If gingivitis or infection is present, antibiotics may be necessary.