Pet Dental Care
Pet Dental Care at Locke A. Taylor Veterinary Hospital
You are a responsible pet owner and you take good care of your pet. But do you always remember to brush your animal's teeth? Even if you follow all of your pet's routine checkups, your pet's teeth may be lacking the proper care they need. Just like people, pets have dental diseases and problems that can be avoided with preventive care.
If left untreated, dental disease can not only be painful and inhibit proper nutrition; but it can also lead to serious systemic issues that may threaten your pet's overall health before symptoms are noticeable. For those reasons, we strongly consider dental care an important piece of your dog's or cat's preventive health care program.
Regular dental check-ups at Locke A. Taylor Veterinary Hospital, combined with good dental hygiene at home, can increase your pet's health, vitality and well-being while helping ensure your pet leads the best life possible.
We offer a number of dental services beyond the regular check-up: from general prophylaxis to extractions, mild dental surgery to tooth crowning for canine patrol dogs, the veterinary staff is highly-trained and qualified to take care of all your pet's dental needs.
Protecting Your Pet's Dental Health at Locke A. Taylor Animal Medicine and Surgery
We love providing dental exams. The veterinary team has years of experience and is extremely proficient. We believe that the centerpiece of good dental care is a complete oral exam followed by a thorough cleaning designed to remove plaque and prevent build up.
At our veterinary hospital in Richmond, your pet's dental appointment includes:
- Oral examinations under anesthesia
- Diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease
- X-rays
- Supra and subgingival scaling
- Tooth extractions
- Polishing
- Irrigation
- Fluoride application
We have state-of-the-art high-speed polishers, ultrasonic scalers and the ability to take dental X-rays. Should we find any issues—such as evidence of gum or tooth erosion, gingivitis, or excessive plaque buildup—we will discuss this with you and offer treatment options for your pet. We are experienced dental practitioners and are capable of offering a number of dental procedures and oral surgeries.
In Between Cleanings: Dental Care at Home
In between visits to Dr. Taylor's office, check your pet's teeth regularly for signs of problems. Brushing your pet's teeth is the single most important procedure you can do to maintain good oral health. If performed regularly, brushing dramatically decreases the incidence of gingivitis and can increase the interval between teeth cleaning appointments. If you are unsure of how to brush your pet's teeth, please ask a staff member for instructions.
Signs of Pet Dental Problems
Symptoms of dental disease include:
- Bad breath—one of the first signs of dental disease
- A yellowish-brown crust of plaque on the teeth near the gum line
- Red and swollen gums
- Pain or bleeding when your pet eats or when the mouth or gums are touched
- Decreased appetite or difficulty eating
- Loose or missing teeth
If your pet is experiencing any of the above symptoms, please call Locke A. Taylor Veterinary Hospital today at (804) 262-8629 for an appointment. Your pet does not need to spend any more time suffering with oral discomfort.