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Your Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does it cost to clean teeth?
ANSWER: Thatīs a tough
question! It all depends on the stage of dental disease that
your pet has. Patients with gingivitis require preventative
dental treatment (prophylaxis) while patients with
periodontitis (gum disease) require periodontal therapy and
sometimes periodontal surgery. Fees for these two procedures
alone vary. In addition ancillary treatment such as iv
catheters, fluids, and medications may be necessary.
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Is general
anesthesia necessary to clean teeth?
ANSWER: Yes. It
is impossible to use the mechanical and sharp instruments in
the mouth without the patient being completely still. The
slightest movement can cause harm. In addition, scaling below
the gumline is a very important part of the procedure. This is
where many bacteria can hide. Failure to remove these bacteria
eliminates any medical benefit from the procedure.
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I am
afraid of having general anesthesia used on my pet, what can be
done?
ANSWER: Safety starts out with
preanesthesia blood panels. Evaluating the internal organs and
blood cells in this manner improves safety by detecting
underlying disease. Gas anesthetics such as Sevoflurane and
Isoflurane have tremendously improved anesthesia safety.
Monitoring by blood pressure, pulse oximeter, EKG and
respiratory have also increased safety. The risk of anesthesia
verses the benefit of treatment should be discussed with your
veterinarian on an individual basis.
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Will my
pet suffer if I don't take care of its teeth and gums?
ANSWER: Gum disease can cause
pets pain and serious dental problems later in life, as well as
possibly lead to more serious illnesses, such as heart and
kidney disease. But gum disease can be prevented. By beginning
early in your pet's life to care for its teeth, you can spare
your pet the discomfort caused by gum disease.
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Can pets
get cavities?
ANSWER: Pets, like their human
owners, can get cavities. However, cavities are relatively rare
in pets because pets' diets generally aren't high in
decay-causing sugars. Veterinary dental experts have noticed a
mild rise in the incidence of cavities among pets fed sugary
treats. To avoid cavities in your pet's mouth, feed only pet
food and treats designed for pets.
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What
causes a dog to break its teeth?
ANSWER: The most common cause
of tooth breakage among dogs is chewing on objects that are too
hard. Cow hooves are one of the most common chew toys blamed,
but other hard toys can be at fault. To help prevent tooth
breakage, watch how your dog chews on any new toy. If it is
aggressively biting down, trying to crack the toy, you probably
shouldn't let the dog chew on that toy. For especially
aggressive chewers, look for toys they can't get their mouths
around. Rawhide or other chews that soften as the dog chews are
another option.
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Isn't bad
breath in pets just natural?
ANSWER: No. While it is true
that bad breath can indicate a more serious illness, bad breath
in pets is most often caused by bacteria that form when plaque
and tartar are not removed from the teeth, which may cause a
gum infection.
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How can a
professional dental cleaning by a veterinarian help my pet?
ANSWER: A professional dental
cleaning will remove plaque, stain and tartar encrusted above
and below the gumline, restoring your dog's teeth to a clean
and polished condition, and removing the bacteria that can
cause gum disease.
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What is
causing a big, swollen bump on my cat's gum?
ANSWER: Isolated swelling on
the gum above one tooth could indicate a couple of problems,
such as a feline dental resorption or an abscessed tooth. In
both cases, immediate veterinary care is indicated. Left
untreated, cervical line lesions (also known as feline dental
resorptions) are especially painful and can lead to tooth loss
in cats.
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My dog
shows a ridge-like wear on its canine teeth. What causes this?
ANSWER: Wear patterns show up
from repeated chewing. The ridge-like wear you describe could
be attributed to chewing on a chain-link fence. Dogs that are
left alone in backyards may chew on fences because they are
bored, scared, frustrated or for other reasons. The best
solution is to keep the dog and the fence away from each other.
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My cat
broke off a tooth. Can the tooth be replaced?
ANSWER: Veterinary dentists can
install crowns and replacement teeth for pets with damaged or
missing teeth. Your family veterinarian can provide a referral
to a veterinary dental specialist, when it is appropriate.
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Do dogs
wear braces?
ANSWER: For some dogs, braces
are necessary to straighten the teeth enough so the dog's mouth
opens and closes correctly. Orthodontics work can vary from
limited work on a few teeth to a full set of braces. However,
most dogs are born with sufficiently straight teeth to allow
them to chew without problems.
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Does it
matter whether my pet eats hard or soft food?
ANSWER: Studies show that hard
kibbles are slightly better at keeping plaque from accumulating
on the teeth. Currently, there is a separate product for dogs
and cats that has been proven to help reduce plaque and tartar.
If you think your pet needs a special food, consult your family
veterinarian.
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When is
my pet too old for toothbrushing?
ANSWER: Your pet is never too
old for toothbrushing. In fact, the older your pet gets, the
more important it is to keep plaque and tartar from
accumulating. Studies show that bacteria from dental diseases
can move systematically into the vital organs. Keeping your
pet's mouth healthy is an important step in your pet's overall
good health.
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