Dog and Cat Teeth Cleaning in
Union and Westfield, NJ
At Westfield Veterinary Group, we take your pet’s oral health seriously. That’s because dental disease is the most common medical problem among adult dogs and cats. Bad breath, discolored teeth, red and swollen gums, and changes in eating habits can be signs of dental disease. Our dog and cat teeth cleaning service in Union and Westfield, NJ aim to prevent this debilitating disease from taking hold.
Why is Pet Dental Care so Important?
Dental disease alone isn’t the only problem. While it can affect your pet’s quality of life and make their favorite activities like eating and playing difficult and painful, there are also other problems it can cause. Left untreated, dental disease can lead to heart, kidney, and liver disease, due to bacteria from the mouth leaking into the bloodstream. That’s why our veterinarians recommend regular dental cleanings or other oral health treatments based on your pet’s condition.
Safety in Every Procedure
Anesthesia is necessary for veterinary dental procedures as it enables our veterinarians and technicians to perform treatment as quickly as possible without causing your pet discomfort or stress. To ensure your pet’s safety during dental procedures, we use the same safety protocols as we do with surgery.
Our Pet Dental Procedures
We use human-grade scaling and polishing instruments, oral surgery equipment, and digital dental radiographs (X-rays) so that your pet receives the safest, most thorough dental care possible. A complete dental procedure includes:
- A complete oral exam. We’ll physically examine your pet’s oral cavity as well as perform digital dental X-rays to identify any problems beneath the gum line. We look for periodontal pockets, abnormal gum tissue, inflammation, oral growths, and other dental issues.
- Thorough scaling (cleaning). We use ultrasonic and hand-scaling to remove plaque and tartar on teeth both above and below the gum line.
- Polishing of each tooth. After scaling, we’ll polish each tooth to smooth the enamel and reduce the amount of future tartar and plaque build-up.
- Extractions/oral surgery. If we detect abnormalities, we may need to perform oral surgery such as a biopsy of abnormal lesions or extraction of a tooth. We will fully discuss your pet’s options with you before we perform any procedure.
- Pain medication when necessary. In the event we need to perform oral surgery, we will provide your pet with pain medication so they wake from anesthesia with minimal discomfort. Additionally, we may apply an antibiotic gel to encourage healing of the gums.
While we are able to handle the majority of dental issues during a cleaning, in complex cases, your pet may need to be referred to a veterinary dental specialist.
At-Home Pet Dental Care
Your pet’s dental care doesn’t end at the hospital! Caring for your pet’s teeth at home is an important preventive measure that promotes good oral health and is a great way to bond with your pet.
Our staff can demonstrate how to brush your pet’s teeth at home. We also can provide recommendations for pet foods and treats that promote oral health. Together, we can create a dental plan that keeps your pet’s smile bright and healthy!
Protect your pet’s teeth with regular dental care!
Schedule a professional dental cleaning today!