Routine dental examinations are an important part of maintaining your pet's oral health. While you should always make sure to establish a solid and consistent oral hygiene routine at home, in-office dental appointments will help you prevent and monitor for different types of potential conditions like gum disease, broken or loose teeth, abscesses, and more. In addition to our team of medical staff taking a look (and smell) around, we utilize ultrasonic scaling techniques to clean your pet's teeth thoroughly and efficiently. We also offer in-house extractions for more severe circumstances. If our veterinarians suggest extraction, it means that the overall condition of your pet's tooth has deteriorated to the point that no means of medical intervention can save it, and it is most likely extremely painful for the patient. In the event of an extraction, ask about our Cold Laser Therapy services, which can encourage healing after dental surgery.
Dental radiography is a reliable and safe method of diagnosing tooth abnormality and other dental health issues within animals. This non-invasive technique, emitting minimal traces of radiation, is used only after a full dental examination performed by a medical professional. If during the exam our veterinarians discover any signs or symptoms of tooth decay, misalignment, impactions, or more, your pet's best shot at being accurately diagnosed and treated is dental radiography. Sometimes issues that are lying just beneath the surface are presenting in silent ways or in behaviors that difficult to notice. Regardless, if you notice your pet displaying any indication of pain when eating or drinking, has foul breath, has teeth that look visibly unwell, or it's been over a year since the last dental checkup, call today and make an appointment. Be aware that It is relatively routine practice to perform a dental X-Ray with every cleaning appointment.
Although you may be attentive and thorough when it comes to treating your pet's dental health at home, there are some things that have to be addressed in office. A full veterinary dental cleaning requires brushing and cleaning both above and below the gumline. In fact, the majority of oral infections and disease begin below the gumline, where owners can't reach. In order to safely access all of the necessary knooks and crannies, your pet will have to be put under general anesthesia. While this is the least stressful way of performing a dental cleaning for our patients, it is also legally required. At Mission Road Animal Clinic, we understand that the idea of your pet being "put under" is scary. Your pet is safe and in experienced hands with us, however if you're feeling uncertain or have some concerns you'd like to address, call our office at any time.
While we strongly urge and recommend that you keep up with your pet's dental examinations and cleaning appointments, we cannot stress enough how important it is for you to consistently work on healthy oral hygiene with them at home. We understand that can seem like a daunting task, especially if you don't have an animal who is totally thrilled about you brushing their teeth. We are here to help you! At Mission Road, we suggest trying any of the numerous dental health products that do the work for you. Our veterinarians can recommend various treats, toys, and rinses that help break down tartar and plaque. If you've just welcomed a new fuzzy friend into your home, we also suggest that you start an oral hygiene routine right away, as it can make them feel more comfortable with the process and help remove future anxiety and struggle as they get older.
Phone: 913-649-0552
We are open select Saturdays every month. Please call our clinic for our Saturday availability.
