Veterinary Dentistry & Dental Surgery in Stanwood

Vet Dental Cleaning & Periodontal Exams

Just like your own annual checkup with your dentist, your cat or dog should come in to see us for a pet dental exam at least once each year. Pets who are more prone to developing dental health issues may need to visit us for routine checkups more often than that.

Northwest Veterinary Clinic of Stanwood 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.

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

  Contact Us to Book a Dental Checkup
• Assessment

  We will complete a comprehensive physical assessment of your pet before we administer anesthesia and begin their oral exam.

  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

  Your pet's teeth will be ultrasonically scaled along the crown of the tooth as well as under the gingiva. Full-mouth dental digital radiographs will be taken and a periodontal exam will be performed.

  At that time, the veterinarian will determine if extractions are needed and develop a treatment plan. The teeth will then be polished. Lastly, an Oravet sealant will be applied to protect the teeth from plaque buildup for the following two weeks.

• Prevention

  We will try to schedule a follow-up exam two weeks after your pet's initial checkup and cleaning 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 Pet Dental Care

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from our clients about pet dental care.

• Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?

  If they have poor oral health for long enough, our pets can develop periodontal disease or tooth decay just like people.

  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 vet 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 behavior may be an indication of oral health problems? If your pet is experiencing dental problems, they drool excessively (and the drool may contain pus or blood), or you may notice them pawing at their mouth or teeth. They may also yawn excessively, grind their teeth, or stop grooming sufficiently.

  Some other possible signs of oral health issues include tooth discoloration, swollen gums and bad breath. Sometimes, pets may even suffer from enough pain that they stop eating properly. 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?

  On top of causing problems ranging from cavities and bad breath to severe periodontal disease, oral health issues in pets can also cause diseases affecting their liver, heart, lungs, kidneys and other internal organs throughout their 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 vet dental care is so essential to animals' physical health and wellbeing. 

• What happens during a pet teeth cleaning appointment?

  During your pet’s regular oral exam, the vet will examine his or her mouth and look for oral health conditions or any symptoms needing treatment.

  The vet will clean tartar and other debris from your cat's or dog's teeth. If cavities, gingivitis, or other conditions need to be addressed, the vet will explain these to you and provide advice on which actions you should take. 

  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. 

  Don't allow your pet to chew on things that will damage their teeth like toys, bones or objects that are too hard. Always contact your vet if you have any questions or concerns about your companion's oral health.