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Periodontal disease is the #1 disease in adult dogs and cats. Treating this disease in a timely fashion can add years to your pets’ lives.

Dental Radiographs: At GVH, full mouth radiographs (x-rays) are taken on every patient. Dental radiographs are the most important diagnostic tool used in canine and feline dentistry. By not taking dental radiographs, we are only getting a portion of what is going on with the teeth. Every patient MUST have them in order to perform a complete oral assessment.

Dental Prophy: An ultrasonic scaler is used above and below the gumline, a perio-tip for deep pockets, and an ultrasonic polisher used for 10 seconds per tooth to prevent fast tartar/calculus build-up.

Dental Home Care: Link to home health care.
Nothing beats the “gold standard” for preventive care than regular, daily tooth brushing.

FAQ’s:

Why is general anesthesia required?

In order to safely and thoroughly assess the teeth of your pet, it is very important to be sure it is neither stressful to them, nor to the veterinary team. Only sedating the animal can risk injury, if they reflexively bite when having painful teeth touched. Also, having an endotracheal tube in the airway is important to protect your animal from aspirating any fluids and water spray from the ultrasonic scaling instruments.

How often should I clean my pets’ teeth?

Typically, every dog and cat should have annual preventative scaling and polishing, but some animals have such bad periodontal disease they may need to have their teeth cleaned more often, so it’s usually a case-by-case basis. The best thing to do is be sure your pet has the teeth assessed in the annual or semi-annual appointments.

How old do dogs/cats start to develop periodontal disease?

Most dogs and cats without a regular home-care regimen already have periodontal disease by the time they are 3 years old.

Case Studies

TESTIMONIAL

I just wanted to say thank you to Dr. Albrecht and his staff for the amazing care they provided to my Mom's shih-tzu, Ebby!. You've given her a second chance at life!