Comprehensive Cat and Dog Teeth Cleaning Services in Coronado, CA
At Coronado Veterinary Hospital, we understand the crucial role dental health plays in the overall well-being of your pets. Just like humans, dogs and cats need regular dental care to prevent common problems like gingivitis and dental disease and maintain their general health. Our privately-owned practice in Coronado, CA, stands apart from corporate animal hospitals by offering a family-oriented approach, ensuring that every pet and their owner receive personalized, compassionate care. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a wealth of knowledge, our dedicated team provides comprehensive, tailored cat and dog teeth cleaning services for your beloved pets.
Your pet should see us at least once a year for a full checkup, including an oral exam! Contact us at (619) 435-6281 or click below to schedule an appointment.
What are the Signs of Dental Disease in Dogs and Cats?
Dental disease is extremely common in adult dogs and cats, but often, the early signs go unnoticed because pets are adept at hiding discomfort and maintaining normal behavior. However, early detection can prevent the development of a serious oral infection and a cascade of other issues, such as heart, liver, and/or kidney disease.
Here are several things we look for in pets that may be living with dental disease:
- Bad breath
- Difficulty eating (dropping food, smacking lips, chewing on one side)
- Pawing at the mouth (a sign of discomfort in the mouth)
- Red, swollen gums
- Teeth show a yellow/brown discoloration
- Excessive drooling (another sign of discomfort)
- Weight loss (in some cases, a pet may start eating less)
It's important to remember these signs can be subtle. Regular checkups with your veterinarian can prevent these symptoms and help your pet maintain a healthy, pain-free mouth.
How We Do Teeth Cleanings for Dogs and Cats
We regularly perform pet teeth cleanings at Coronado Veterinary Hospital and take a custom approach to ensure every dog and cat receives the best care. All patients are kept under anesthesia so we can be as thorough as possible with the treatment we provide.
Safety Precautions
All pets receiving anesthesia are monitored for the following every 5 minutes by a dedicated Registered Veterinary Technician:
- ECG to monitor heart rate and for arrhythmias
- A heating blanket is provided to ensure normal body temperature is maintained
- Blood pressure and blood oxygen content are monitored so they can be promptly corrected
- We use our ventilator to provide normal respiratory rate and depth of respiration
The Dental Procedure
Here is a general overview of what to expect when your pet sees us for dental care:
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Initial Checkup
We begin with a comprehensive oral examination to assess your pet's dental health.
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Thorough Oral Exam
While your pet is under anesthesia, we perform a detailed examination of the mouth to identify any dental issues.
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Full-mouth X-rays
Dental X-rays are essential to detect any problems below the gum line.
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Checking for Gingival Pockets
We check for areas where the gum has detached from the tooth.
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Scaling
We use scaling instruments to remove plaque and tartar from the crown to the root of each tooth.
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Polishing
Next, we smooth the tooth surfaces to prevent future plaque buildup.
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Tooth Extractions (if necessary)
Loose, broken, or decayed teeth need to be removed to ensure a pain-free and healthy life for your pet. We provide ample pain management to help your pet recover in comfort.
Should I Brush My Pet’s Teeth at Home?
Yes! Teeth brushing should be a part of every dog and cat’s health routine. We can direct you to the best pet dental care products and provide an in-depth demonstration when you visit so you can confidently manage your pet’s oral care at home. Brushing your pet’s teeth slows the buildup of plaque and tartar between teeth cleanings at our veterinary hospital and plays a major role in the prevention of dental disease.
At Coronado Veterinary Hospital, we work to ensure that your pet's dental treatment is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Get in touch with us to schedule an appointment!