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Dentals

Veterinary Dentistry

Dental Disease

Dental disease is among the most prevalent health issues affecting our dogs and cats. Like humans, our pets require proper dental hygiene and timely intervention to ensure they maintain a healthy and pain-free mouth. The most frequent dental concerns include periodontal disease and fractured teeth, both of which can have serious implications. Periodontal disease, in particular, is associated with a range of systemic health issues, including kidney, liver, lung, and heart disease, as well as diabetes and arthritis.

Dental Check

Pets accumulate plaque and tartar on their teeth and should be examined by a professional every six months to maintain good dental health. At Warren House Veterinary Centre, we have a dedicated dental nurse clinic that focuses on the early detection of dental disease. During a thorough dental check, our nurse will conduct a comprehensive health assessment of your pet, paying special attention to their mouth and teeth. They will look for signs of fractured teeth, gingivitis, periodontitis, tartar buildup, and other potential issues that could contribute to dental disease. Based on the findings during this appointment, your nurse may recommend X-rays if necessary.

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Benefits:

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Prevents systemic diseases (e.g., heart, liver, kidney issues)

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Relieves pain and discomfort from dental problems

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Improves appetite and nutrition by making eating easier

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Eliminates bad breath (halitosis)

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Extends lifespan by maintaining overall health

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Enables early detection of other health issues

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Improves behavior by reducing irritability caused by pain

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Prevents tooth loss by preserving dental health

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Reduces long-term costs by avoiding expensive treatments later

Gold Standard Dental Procedures ⭐️

As part of our commitment to providing gold standard dental care, we ensure there are no hidden costs, including X-rays and general anaesthetics in the price of our procedures. X-rays are crucial for identifying dental disease, which often lies below the gum line and is difficult to detect without them. Radiographs enable us to diagnose and address painful conditions such as fractures, tooth abscesses, missing or broken roots, and tumors in bone or soft tissue. Unlike many practices that do not include X-rays in their dental procedures, we make it a standard part of our comprehensive dental service.

Scale & Polish

The scaling and polishing procedure is done under general anaesthesia, the process involves the removal of plaque and tartar using a scaler or specialiaed hand tool. Once the tartar is cleared, a high-speed polishing tool smooths the teeth, which not only enhances appearance but also reduces rough spots, helping to prevent plaque buildup.

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General Anaesthetic

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Dental charting

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Scale and polish

Stage 1

A Stage 1 pet dental procedure involves a thorough cleaning and polishing of your pet’s teeth to eliminate plaque and tartar, typically performed under general anesthesia. This preventive treatment is designed to uphold excellent oral health, with no extractions necessary unless there are loose teeth.

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General anaesthetic

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Dental X-RAYS

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Dental Charting

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Descale & Polish

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Extraction of obviously wobbly teeth (charges apply)

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Monitored anaesthetic recovery

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Post-Op Checkup

Stage 2

We offer a modern two-stage dental approach that aligns with human dental care. This two-stage method enhances anaesthetic safety by employing shorter procedures, furthermore, separating tooth extractions minimises bacterial exposure, reduces infection risks, and lessens the need for antibiotics.

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General anaesthetic

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Dental X-RAYS

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Dental Charting

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Descale & Polish

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Surgical extraction of diseased and painful teeth.

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Stitching of the gums to ensure rapid healing.

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Pain relief to go home with.

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Post-Op Checkup

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Dental Problems in Dogs

Oral Infections

With periodontal disease, the spaces around your dog’s tooth roots can become infected with bacteria, leading to significant pain and the risk of a tooth root abscess.

Tooth Fractures

Dogs enjoy chewing, but as a responsible pet parent, it’s important to recognise that certain items like bones or hard plastic can lead to tooth fractures or breaks in your pup. The risk of tooth fractures increases when your dog is chewing on objects that are overly large for their mouth.

Retained Baby Teeth

All puppies have baby teeth, known as deciduous teeth, which typically fall out by the time your dog is six months old. However, there are instances where some of these teeth remain, leading to overcrowding that can result in increased plaque buildup and make it challenging to maintain your pup’s oral hygiene.

Types of dental disease

Gingivitis –

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums around the teeth, marked by redness, swelling, and discomfort. It usually results from plaque buildup, a sticky bacterial film on the teeth. With proper care, gingivitis can be reversed, restoring your pet’s gum health.

Periodontitis –

If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to irreversible periodontitis. Gum disease occurs due to excessive plaque buildup on your dog’s teeth. This sticky film of bacteria must be removed regularly; otherwise, it hardens into tartar, making it harder to eliminate.

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Dental Problems in Cats

Tooth Root Abscesses

A tooth root abscess in a cat is a painful infection that develops at the base of a tooth, usually due to bacteria entering through a cracked or decayed tooth. This condition can result in the accumulation of pus around the root, leading to considerable discomfort and the risk of serious complications if not addressed promptly.

Broken Teeth

Broken teeth can cause significant pain due to the presence of nerves within each tooth, making them particularly sensitive when damaged. This damage increases the likelihood of infections and tooth root abscesses, which often necessitates extraction to prevent further complications.

Retained Baby Teeth

Your cat’s baby teeth typically fall out by six months of age, and if they are retained, it can lead to overcrowding in the mouth. This overcrowding can trap food and bacteria, resulting in an increased risk of plaque and tartar buildup.

Types of dental disease

Gingivitis –

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums around the teeth, marked by redness, swelling, and discomfort. It usually results from plaque buildup, a sticky bacterial film on the teeth. With proper care, gingivitis can be reversed, restoring your pet’s gum health.

Periodontitis –

If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to irreversible periodontitis. Gum disease occurs due to excessive plaque buildup on your dog’s teeth. This sticky film of bacteria must be removed regularly; otherwise, it hardens into tartar, making it harder to eliminate.

FAQ

Are multiple anaesthesia safe for my pet?

A second procedure is necessary due to dental x-rays showing diseased teeth, roots, or jaw bone. If not addressed, the disease will progress, leading to ongoing dental issues and infections. Most importantly, dental disease causes pain, so without intervention, your pet will endure a chronically painful mouth.

Why is the procedure split into two stages?

The procedure is split into two stages primarily to minimize your pet’s time under anaesthesia, as Stage I, including charting, scale and polish, and full mouth x-rays, can take up to one hour. Longer anaesthetics may cause low blood pressure and hypothermia, jeopardising your pet’s safety and recovery. This approach also facilitates effective planning for oral surgery, preventing the need for immediate intervention due to unexpected issues found during radiography. Conducting Stage II on a different day ensures a cleaner surgical environment and enhances the chances of a smoother, quicker recovery during both stages.

Schedule Your Pet's Dental Check-Up Today!

Don’t wait until your pet shows signs of dental pain. Regular dental care is essential for their overall health and well-being. Contact us today to schedule a dental appointment. Let’s work together to keep your pet’s smile bright and healthy!