Dental
Compassionate Dental Care for Your Beloved Pet
At Sorento Vet, we understand the importance of oral health in our furry companions. Just like humans, pets are susceptible to dental issues and gum disease. Shockingly, it is estimated that up to 80% of dogs and 70% of cats suffer from some form of dental disease by the age of three.
Dental disease begins with the accumulation of bacteria, food particles, and saliva on the teeth, leading to the formation of plaque. If left untreated, plaque hardens into tartar (calculus), which appears as a yellow-brown substance on the teeth. Over time, the bacterial infection in tartar can cause irreversible damage, including the destruction of supportive tissues and bone. This results in red gums, bad breath, loosening of teeth, and can even lead to systemic infections affecting vital organs such as the kidneys, liver, and heart. Ultimately, dental disease can cause unnecessary suffering, tooth loss, and potentially shorten your pet's lifespan.
If your pet is affected by dental disease, our compassionate team is here to help. Our veterinarians recommend regular dental examinations to assess your pet's oral health. If necessary, a professional dental clean may be recommended. During this procedure, your pet will be safely anesthetised to ensure their comfort. A thorough dental examination will be conducted, including charting the condition of each tooth, evaluating tartar, gum inflammation (gingivitis), and any gum pockets. Dental X-rays may also be taken to assess the health of each tooth.
Using specialised instruments, our veterinarians will remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline, similar to how a dentist cares for our teeth. The teeth will be polished using a dental polisher and fine-grade paste. If certain teeth are severely affected and cannot be saved, extractions may be necessary. In some cases, gum surgery may be performed to close the extraction sites with dissolvable stitches. Once the dental work is completed, your pet will receive appropriate medications, and they will be allowed to wake up and go home on the same day.
Following a professional dental clean, our team will work with you to implement a plan for ongoing dental care. This may include regular tooth brushing, feeding special dental chews or a dental diet. It is recommended to have your pet examined six months after the dental cleaning to evaluate the effectiveness of the dental care routine.
We believe that prevention is key in maintaining your pet's dental health. Establishing good dental hygiene habits from a young age is essential. Regular dental home care, such as daily tooth brushing using pet-friendly toothbrushes and toothpaste, and providing teeth-friendly chews, toys, or dental diets, can greatly contribute to maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
At Sorento Vet, we strive to provide compassionate dental care for your beloved pets. Our team is committed to their well-being and overall health. Together, let's prioritise their oral health and ensure a brighter, healthier future for your furry companions.