Comprehensive Oral Examinations and Assessments including radiographs, cleanings, extractions, and gingival surgery are available on Mon, Tues, and Thurs. An examination on a clinic day (Wed, Fri, or Sat) is required so that an estimate can be provided, pre-anesthetic testing, pain medications, and antibiotics started if deemed necessary.
Pets with minimal tartar, no signs of gum recession, tooth decay or fracture– Cooperative pets will usually allow the application of tartar softening products and teeth brushing. If possible, we will provide a demonstration. Daily care is recommended and only takes a minute or two once your pet and you establish a routine.
Pets with moderate to major tartar, gingivitis, tooth decay/fracture– these pets need general anesthesia to allow full-mouth x-rays, a thorough cleaning/ polishing (including under the gumline), examination of the entire oral cavity and each individual tooth and possible extraction.
Extractions– routine extractions may be performed and the root socket covered if possible. Estimates for the extraction and any necessary gum repair will be provided.
Tartar Control Products and Recommendations-
Food– generally dry food or raw is best. (Raw foods need to be fed with caution due to possible bacterial contamination). Some food companies design the dry food nuggets to scrape the teeth while chewing rather than crumble easily.
Grocery and pet stores- IAMS, Friskies Dental, Science Diet Oral Care, Royal
Canin, Wellness, Blue, Taste of the Wild, Solid Gold, etc.
Veterinary Clinics- Science Diet Oral Care or T/D (Tartar Diet)
Your refrigerator- any raw veggies and fruit EXCEPT grapes, raisins, and onions
Tartar Control Products– available at Pet Partners. We recommend OraZn products because they do not contain a disinfectant called chlorhexidine which is commonly found in many dental products. Chlorhexidine is fine to use for short periods (1-2 weeks) after a cleaning but not long-term.
OraZn gel– for clean teeth or pets with minor tartar. Apply one drop to both sides of the upper gums 3-7 x per week. Costs $15
MaxiGuard Oral Cleansing Wipes- has gel embedded in a wipe. Costs $17/ 100 wipes.
MaxiGuard gel- same as OraZn but also contains vitamin C and therefore must be refrigerated. Ideal for pets with major tartar or gingivitis or are unable to have a cleaning performed under anesthesia. Costs $18.
Teeth Brushing and toothpaste– Only recommended if your pet does not have gingivitis or any decayed or fractured teeth. Any wiping or brushing could cause additional pain and your pet may resist any future cleaning even after extractions because they associate wiping and brushing with pain. Initially, wiping the teeth with a dry paper towel is helpful after meals to remove food residue. Eventually upgrading to using a fingerbrush or toothbrush is even better. Toothpastes should be made for pets since they cannot digest human toothpaste. A variety of flavors are available.
