Dental Care

The most pervasive disease in our pets is periodontal disease. 80% of all pets have this if they are over the age of 3 years old. This condition is an infection of the tissue around the tooth. The tissue is very important to take care of since this tissue’s main job is to keep your dog’s tooth in. Unfortunately, periodontal disease (also called gum disease), occurs five times as often in pets as it does in people. As a matter of fact, more than 80% of dogs over 3 years old have periodontal disease.

Yet, while gum disease is usually the biggest dental problem a dog faces, it’s not the only one. Some dogs, especially larger breeds, are also prone to broken or fractured teeth. Dr. Kuhn’s own dog fractured his two big molars when he found some deer antlers while hiking. Unfortunately, both molars needed to be removed. The roots were infected (as evidence by dental x-rays) and would have eventually led to a tooth abscess. Tooth abscesses are really sinus abscess centered around a tooth root.

Our Cleaning Procedure

All cleanings are done while your pet is under anesthesia. The anesthetic part is imperative to be able to do a good job. All pets are constantly monitored by a veterinary technician at all times while they are under anesthesia. This is done to provide safety and security while your pet is having their teeth monitored. Every pets’ teeth are ultrasonically scaled, subgingivally (under the gum lined) hand scaled, polished and charted. (this is usually what you human dental hygienist does for you) We also take dental radiographs and have the doctor read them to see if there is any disease lying under the gum line that we can not see without the help of dental radiographs. If it is all normal then the patient receives a fluoride treatment and go home instructions for prevention of tooth decay.

Our Goal

To see your pets live long and healthy lives by providing complete care for all of your pets’ dental needs. We are able to diagnose and treat most oral problems and help return your pet to the best possible health. We also place emphasis on yearly dental examinations and cleanings to maintain good health in order to prevent problems.