Comprehensive Pet Dentistry & Dental Care in Calgary
Safeguard your pet's health with professional pet dentistry at Petzoic Vet Hospital. From routine dog and cat teeth cleanings to advanced oral care, our veterinary team proudly serves the Calgary and Tsuut'ina communities, ensuring your pet lives a long, comfortable, and happy life.
The Hidden Risks of Pet Periodontal Disease
Pet dental disease is a silent epidemic, affecting up to 80% of pets by age three. Because pets instinctively hide their pain, dangerous oral infections often go unnoticed until they become severe. Scheduling a comprehensive veterinary dental examination is the best way to uncover hidden ailments, treat gum disease, and restore your pet’s comfort.
Prevention to Preventive Dog & Cat Dental Care
Prevention is the cornerstone of our dental care philosophy. Regular check-ups and cleanings are more than routine; they’re a proactive shield against complications, extending your pet’s health and vitality. Recognize the subtle signs – reluctance to chew, bad breath, or a paw at the face – and remember, a pet’s silence often masks their need for care.
Veterinary Dental X-Rays & Diagnostics
Through comprehensive examinations and modern dental x-ray imaging technology, our veterinarians unveil the unseen, ensuring no aspect of your pet’s oral health is left to chance. Early detection is key, turning potential challenges into manageable steps towards recovery and well-being.
Tailored Dental Treatment & Education
Each treatment is a testament to personalized care, addressing the unique needs of your pet with precision and compassion. But our commitment doesn’t end there – we empower you with guidance to slow the progression of dental disease over time and make dental care a shared journey to a lifetime of healthy smiles.
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What Our Clients Say
Frequently Asked Questions
My pet eats hard food and sometimes chews on bones. Is this enough to keep their teeth clean?
While it’s a common belief that hard food and chewing bones can clean your pet’s teeth, it’s not a substitute for regular dental care. Imagine telling your dentist that you only eat crunchy foods and never brush your teeth – they certainly wouldn’t be thrilled with your dental hygiene! Just like us, the best way to prevent periodontal disease in pets is through daily tooth brushing. This routine, which is crucial for overall health, removes plaque and helps maintain healthy gums and teeth, just as it does for humans.
Can dental disease lead to other health issues in my pet?
Absolutely. Dental disease isn’t just a concern for your pet’s mouth; it can have far-reaching effects on their overall health. When bacteria from dental infections find their way into the bloodstream, they can travel to vital organs – the heart, liver, and kidneys – potentially causing serious complications. Regular dental care, including cleanings and check-ups, plays a crucial role in not only maintaining your pet’s oral health but also in protecting their general well-being. By keeping dental disease at bay, you’re taking a significant step toward ensuring a longer, healthier life for your pet.
I've seen promotions for 'anesthesia-free dentistry' Is this a good option for my pet?
While ‘anesthesia-free dentistry’ might seem less invasive, it fails to meet the rigorous standards of care set by the American Veterinary Dental College and our practice. Recognizing its limitations, some states have even deemed this practice illegal. Despite advertisements suggesting otherwise, professional dental cleaning and accurate evaluation cannot be thoroughly and safely performed without general anesthesia. Here’s why:
Safety with Instruments: Dental procedures involve sharp instruments to remove tartar. Any slight movement by the pet could lead to injuries to both the patient and the operator.
Below the Gum Line Cleaning: It’s impossible to clean below the gumline without anesthesia. Tartar beneath the gums is a primary cause of dental disease, and its removal is critical. Cleaning only the visible surfaces gives a false impression of health, while disease below the gumline continues unnoticed.
Airway Protection: General anesthesia involves intubation, which protects your pet’s airway from the inhalation of tartar and bacteria dislodged during the procedure.
Comprehensive Evaluation and X-rays: Without anesthesia, it’s not feasible to thoroughly examine all areas around each tooth or to take essential dental X-rays, meaning significant dental issues can remain undetected and untreated, posing a hidden risk to your pet’s health.
Does my pet really need general anesthesia for their dentistry procedure?
While the idea of general anesthesia may be concerning, it’s crucial for a successful and thorough dental procedure. Just as humans need to stay still and cooperate at the dentist, pets also require this level of stillness for a precise assessment and cleaning – something they can’t do while awake. Imagine asking your pet to ‘open wide and say ahh’; it simply isn’t feasible. General anesthesia makes ensures every tooth gets the attention it needs safely and effectively, just like at your own dentist.
Is my pet too old to go under anesthesia?
Concerns about age and anesthesia are common, but it’s important to remember that age itself isn’t a disease. Periodontal disease can cause significant discomfort for your pet, and addressing it is crucial for their quality of life. We conduct thorough pre-anesthetic blood work to detect any health issues and create a customized anesthetic plan tailored to your pet’s specific needs. Our veterinarians will carefully evaluate these results to ensure the utmost safety during the procedure. If any health concerns are identified, we’ll address them before proceeding with dental care, and in the meantime, we’ll manage your pet’s pain effectively. Ensuring your pet’s safety and comfort is our top priority, regardless of their age.
What is the cost of a dentistry procedure?
Just like people, every pet has their own set of dental needs, sometimes varying even from tooth to tooth. Our treatment plans are customized to match these unique requirements, focusing precisely on what your pet needs and avoiding unnecessary extras. This tailored approach not only ensures your pet’s optimal dental health but also helps prevent more complex and costly issues down the road.
Following a consultation, including a thorough oral examination, we will provide you with a clear and detailed treatment plan. This transparency empowers you to make informed decisions, ensuring that you’re comfortable with the path forward.
Why does my pet need to have X-rays during their dental procedure?
Whenever we perform a dental procedure under anesthesia, it’s essential to check your pet’s mouth completely. This means looking carefully at the teeth and gums and taking X-rays of the entire mouth. Think of each tooth like an iceberg: what you see above the gum line is just a small part. Most of the tooth is hidden beneath the gums. Without X-rays, we might miss hidden problems that could cause your pet pain or health issues later.