Dental Care

With all the biting, chomping and playful pulling your pet gets up to, dental care is going to be a top priority in their life. Dogs, cats and people are vulnerable to all kinds of complications when their teeth are not regularly cared for. This can result in tooth loss or infection. That’s why routine brushing, and alternatives such as dental treats and oral gels, are highly recommended for your pet. Of course, managing their hygiene requires more than brushing, and can depend on their genetic history and rowdiness. When you make an appointment with us at 403-982-8387, we can spot early signs of oral health issues and treat advanced problems.

How do I know if my pet is experiencing oral health problems?

Does your pet’s breath hit you like a ton of bricks? An easy sign that something may be wrong is bad breath. It could be due to smelly food or something a little more serious, like plaque or gingivitis. It’s important to track their behaviour when they’re eating and playing with chew toys. If they’re experiencing sensitivities in their mouth dogs will make a noise, while cats might chatter. Sometimes they don’t show any visible signs of distress, so you will have to be proactive and look into your pet’s mouth, if possible, for signs of decay or abnormalities. Is tissue growing on their teeth? Are their gums bleeding? If you spot any of these symptoms make an appointment for a thorough examination at 403-982-8387.

Is there anything I can do from home to improve my pet’s dental health?

Brushing their teeth is a good start. If they’re resistant, introduce them to oral gels, chew toys specifically designed for dental care and dental treats that keep teeth cleaning fun. Giving your pet the right kind of food contributes considerably to their health. The real goodies prevent plaque and tartar from building up or are rough enough to scrub their teeth. Most importantly, they provide nutrients to strengthen your pet’s health. Some medical conditions require regular checks because they are likely to persist. When that is the case, following an examination schedule will help us monitor your pet’s situation.

Do you treat root canals and caps?

Yes. We perform root canals and dental cap procedures here in our clinic. Depending on the severity of infection and inflammation, it can take 1.5 to 3 hours to complete the procedure. Multiple visits may be needed for complicated procedures. Our veterinarians will remove the affected tissue (also called as the “pulp”) from the root, disinfect the area and then fill it with the dental material to prevent bacteria from re-entering. Dental caps can be placed on top of a damaged tooth for added protection, as well as to restore its function. Standard root canals allow us to “save” your pet’s tooth and is less-invasive than a complete tooth extraction. This is an advanced dental service that we are pleased to provide for our primary patients and those referred to us by other hospitals. Please feel free to call us to learn more.