Dental disease is not just a cosmetic issue; it’s a health concern that affects the entire body and up to 90% of all pets by age 3. At Big Lick Veterinary Services, we provide thorough teeth cleanings and advanced oral care to keep your pet’s mouth free from pain and infection. Whether your pet has bad breath, red gums, or no symptoms at all, routine dental care helps prevent painful problems and protects the heart, kidneys, and liver from infection caused by oral bacteria.
We use hand instruments and ultrasonic scalers to remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline. After scaling, each tooth is polished to smooth the enamel and reduce future buildup. We also check the tongue, lips, and soft tissues for signs of growths, wounds, or other abnormalities.
Many dental problems are hidden below the surface, where up to 60% of the tooth structure lies. Our digital X-rays give us a detailed view of each tooth’s roots, surrounding bone, and internal structures. This helps us detect infections, abscesses, and fractures that wouldn’t be visible with the naked eye.
If a tooth is broken, loose, or severely infected, we may recommend extraction to relieve pain and prevent further complications. With your approval, we remove the affected tooth while your pet is under anesthesia and provide local anesthetics and pain relief to keep them comfortable during recovery.
Most pets benefit from professional cleanings once a year, though small breeds, seniors, or pets with ongoing dental concerns like stomatitis or resorptive disease may need them more frequently.
Bad breath, visible tartar, red or bleeding gums, drooling, and difficulty eating are all signs your pet may need dental care.
No. Non-anesthetic cleanings only address surface buildup and can miss serious problems beneath the gums. Anesthesia ensures a safe, thorough, and pain-free procedure.
Absolutely. Brushing your pet’s teeth several times a week with pet-safe toothpaste, offering dental chews, and feeding dental diets can all help slow the buildup of plaque and tartar.
We’ll always contact you before performing an extraction and explain the reasons behind it. Removing painful or infected teeth can improve your pet’s comfort and long-term health, and your pet likely won’t notice they have a tooth missing.
