Dog Dental Care

Routine dental care matters.

As a smart pet owner, you want your dog to be happy and healthy. But even an attentive and caring owner can overlook dental care. Symptoms of dental problems are easy to miss, as they aren’t often exhibited until they are in advanced stages.

One of the best things a pet owner can do to ensure the overall health and lifespan of their pet is to routinely check their teeth, gums and oral cavity. If left unchecked, bacteria from your pet’s mouth can enter the bloodstream and travel to the lungs, heart, kidneys and liver. This can start infections such as pneumonia, endocarditis and nephritis. Almost all dental disease can be prevented with proper management and routine cleanings.

From simple prophylactic cleanings to advanced restorative dentistry, the dental services at Aspen Grove give you the power to protect your loved one from the dangers and discomforts of periodontal disease.

State-of-the-art Pet Dental Care

Through high-speed fiber optic and ultrasonic technology, our dental machines lessen the procedure and anesthesia time while offering precision cleanings with less trauma to the gums and oral cavity. With a portable, intra-oral dental x-ray machine we are able to easily image the entire tooth and surrounding bone to accurately and quickly diagnose periodontal and bony diseases of the mouth.

Broken or Fractured Teeth and Treatment Options

Dental fractures are a common finding in veterinary medicine. Veterinary dentistry has evolved from the days of simply removing bad teeth from your pet’s mouth. At Aspen Grove, we can restore broken or chipped teeth to their full function without having to extract them. Broken or chipped teeth are both painful for your pet and also lead to infection if not fixed properly.

Occasionally, a fracture will only involve the tooth enamel, which is anywhere from 0.1 to 1 mm in thickness. However, more commonly, a fracture will extend deeper into dental tissues exposing dentin and the pulp chamber. Fractures with just dentin exposure have been for years thought of as not a problem and simply left alone. More recent findings show that exposed dentin does, in fact, cause nerve sensitivity and allow bacteria to migrate into the pulp chamber resulting in a fully abscessed tooth.

Pulp, which is the living part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels, will never heal on its own if it’s exposed. Fractures exposing the pulp chamber require either endodontic treatment (a root canal) or extraction.

Restorative Dentistry

Treating a fractured tooth with a light-cured acrylic bonded sealant will immediately seal exposed dentin tubules, prevent infection, cease sensitivity, and speed up overall healing. Before extracting your pet’s teeth, ask about this safe and affordable alternative.

Stages of Dental Disease

During your routine annual exam, the doctor will look at your dog’s teeth and evaluate the dental grade of your dog’s teeth.

• Grade 0: No sign of plaque or calculus
• Grade 1 Gingivitis: The margin of attached gum is inflamed and swollen. Plaque covers teeth.
• Grade 2 Early Periodontitis: Increased inflammation with subgingival plaque and calculus. No root exposure. This stage is reversible with adequate and prompt treatment.
• Grade 3 Established Periodontitis: The gums are red and bleed easily. They have been permanently damaged by the calculus and infection.
• Grade 4 Advanced Periodontitis: Chronic infection is destroying the gums, teeth, and supporting bone. Bacteria are spreading through the body via the bloodstream, and may damage vital organ systems.

Prevent Periodontal Disease in Your Pet

Diligent home care including brushing, dental toys and treats.

Professional dental examination and cleaning including:

• Gum Probing
• Dental X-rays
• Scaling & Polishing
• Necessary Periodontal Treatments

Signs of Dental Problems

• Red inflamed gums
• Loose teeth
• Bad breath
• Difficulty chewing
• Pain
• Discolored teeth
• In extreme cases, your pet will stop eating

Schedule a Free Dental Consultation
At Aspen Grove Veterinary Care, we believe in proactive dental care to prevent serious health issues. Take advantage of our free dental consultation with one of our experienced veterinary technicians to discuss your pet’s dental health and the best care plan.
 
Call us today at (970) 416-0232 to schedule an appointment and ensure your pet’s smile stays healthy and bright!