Dentistry
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About Our Dentistry
Good dental care plays a crucial role in the quality of your cat’s life. Dental disease is the most common medical problem seen in cats and can lead to pain, tooth loss and generalized disease. Unfortunately, the importance of dental care to a cat’s health has long been underemphasized. Studies have shown that without dental radiographs, significant pathology is missed in up to 75% of pets. Because dental disease often has few readily apparent signs to the owner, bringing your pet in for a routine preventative examination is the only way to ensure detection.
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What are signs of dental disease in cats?
Bad Breath
Yellow, brown, or discolored teeth
Loose teeth, broken teeth or teeth that sit at odd angles
Red, inflamed gums
Swollen face, mouth, jaws or gums
Drooling or discharge from the mouth
Hiding/fearful behavior
Lack of interest in toys
Pain when eating (rare)
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Exam before anesthesia
A general exam before anesthesia, including evaluation of the bite, pre- anesthetic blood profile and identification of abnormal wear patterns, gum infection and oral cancer.
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Pre-op blood testing
Pre-op blood testing for increased patient safety.
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Intravenous (IV) catheter placed and IV fluids administered
Intravenous (IV) catheter placement before the procedure and IV fluid administration throughout the procedure speed recovery and increase patient safety in all cats.
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Anesthesia
An oral exam under anesthesia. State-of-the-art anesthesia, using a combination of injectable and general anesthesia via an endotracheal tube. Read more
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Patient monitoring
Individual patient monitoring by 1-2 trained certified veterinary technicians, during surgery and in recovery. We provide state-of-the-art intra-operative patient monitoring. This monitoring includes constant measurement of respiratory rate, heart rate, oxygen saturation, end tidal carbon dioxide and temperature. Cats are hooked up to an ECG monitor throughout all anesthetic procedures and kept warm with a warm water circulating blanket.
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Dental radiographs (X-rays)
Radiology is a required step in assessing cats for dental disease. Radiography is critical for the accurate evaluation of periodontal disease, as 60% of the disease is hidden below the gum line. Our digital system allows us to view images immediately with no chemicals, no wasted developing time and fewer retakes.
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Cleaning below the gum line
Subgingival (below the gum line) scaling, root planing and curettage when indicated. Removing tartar from the tooth crowns may improve the appearance of teeth, but dental disease is more destructive below the gum line.
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Dental charting for the medical record
Charting records missing, fractured and discolored teeth, as well as feline oral resorptive lesions, periodontal pocket depths, missing teeth and other lesions.
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Therapy if necessary
This may include extraction, root planing, gingivectomy and other procedures.
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Pain control
We include pain control medications for all surgical and dental procedures. Pain control medications can be administered by injection, by pill or by liquid. Local anesthetics are used prior to extractions to minimize pain.
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Recovery
Certified veterinary technicians monitor patients throughout recovery.
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Home care instructions on oral hygiene
We create a custom oral hygiene program for each cat.
When performed regularly, brushing and diet therapy can greatly improve your cat’s dental health and prolong time between dental cleanings
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The Importance of Dental X-rays
Dental x-rays are especially crucial in the assessment of a cat’s dental health.
Two thirds of cat’s teeth are under the gingiva (gums), and are not viewable. Dental radiographs help in the assessment. They allow assessment of the teeth, the surrounding soft tissues, and bone. Dental radiographs can reveal subgingival (under the gums) foreign objects, cysts and tumors.
Studies have shown that without dental radiographs, significant pathology is missed in up to 75% of pets.
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Feline Tooth Resorption
Feline tooth resorption is a common and painful condition in cats caused by the erosion of tooth enamel. Studies have shown over 65-85% of cats over the age of 5 are affected by tooth resorption. The most common teeth affected are the lower premolars. These lesions were originally called “cat cavities”. We know they are not caused by bacteria like human cavities and therefore “cat cavities” is an incorrect term. Currently the cause is unknown , but genetics seem to play a role.
Tooth resorption appears as gum tissue growing into the tooth or covering the base of the tooth.
Learn More
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Feline Stomatitis
Feline stomatitis is a common, painful and life threatening problem in cats. It occurs in cats of all breeds and of all ages. Some breeds such as Himalayans, Persians and Somalis more commonly develop stomatitis although we also see this condition in all breeds.
Cats with stomatitis often have bad breath. They also have red and inflamed gums The inflammation spreads from areas adjacent to teeth to areas towards the back of the mouth. Eating and swallowing become difficult and painful for many of these cats.
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