Vet Dentist in Bedford
Our vets at Fine Animal Hospital provide preventive and restorative dental care and surgery for cats and dogs to preserve their oral health.
Dental Care for Pets in Bedford
One of the most critical components of cats' and dogs' oral and overall health is routine pet dental care. However, most of our furry friends don't get the oral hygiene care they need to ensure their teeth and gums stay healthy.
At our veterinary hospital in Bedford, we provide complete dental care for your pet, from basics including dental exams, teeth cleanings and polishing, to dental radiography and surgeries.
We are also passionate about educating pet owners about dental health and home dental care.
Dental Surgery in Bedford
Finding out that your pet needs dental surgery may feel daunting. We've set up our process to be as stress-free as possible, for both you and your pet.
We'll do everything in our power to make sure your pet's experience with us is easy, seamless and comfortable. We'll discuss each step of the process with you in detail prior to the procedure, including any preparation and post-operative care requirements.
We offer tooth extractions, jaw fracture repair surgeries and gum disease treatment for cats and dogs.
Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams
At least once every year, your pet should see us for a dental examination. Cats and dogs who are more susceptible to dental issues than others may need to come in more often.
The vets at Fine Animal Hospital are able to assess, diagnose and treat dental health problems in dogs and cats.
- Symptoms
Have you notice any of these symptoms in your pet? If so, it's time for a dental checkup.
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Tartar buildup
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Discoloured teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Bad breath
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
- Assessment
Your veterinarian will complete a thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment for your pet before their dental exam.
Blood and urine analyses will be taken to confirm your pet will be able to safely undergo anesthesia. Additional diagnostics such as chest radiographs or an ECG may also be required.
Once your pet has been put under anesthesia, the vet will conduct a complete oral examination (tooth by tooth) and charting.
- Treatment
Next, the vet will clean and polish the teeth (including beneath the gum line) and take X-rays. Fluoride treatment is then applied to each tooth.
Finally, a dental sealant will be applied to prevent plaque from attacking the enamel. If the veterinarian finds advanced periodontal disease, he or she will develop a treatment plan and review it with you.
- Prevention
During a complimentary follow-up examination (Scheduled two weeks after the initial assessment and treatment appointment), we will explain in detail how you can implement teeth brushing at home. We can also recommend products to help improve your pet's oral health.
FAQs About Pet Dental Care
Have questions about pet dental care at our hospital in Bedford? Review our most frequently asked questions from clients.
- Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
As a result of poor oral health, our pets may develop tooth decay or periodontal disease.
Similar to humans, plaque can stick to animals' teeth when they eat, then build up into tartar if not brushed away properly on a regular basis.
This can cause loose or missing teeth, infections in the mouth, tooth decay or periodontal disease. We can prevent pain or disease in the gums by ensuring we provide the dental care dogs and cats need.
- How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
Behavior may indicate oral health problems. If your pet is experiencing dental issues, they may paw at their mouth or teeth. They may drool excessively (and the drool may contain pus or bloood). They may also stop grooming sufficiently, grind their teeth or yawn excessively.
Other signs of oral health problems include swollen gums, tooth discoloration and bad breath. Some pets may even suffer from pain that prevents them from eating. Read more about potential symptoms to the left under Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams.
- What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
Besides causing issues ranging from bad breath and cavities to advanced periodontal disease, oral health problems and conditions can lead to disease in the kidney, liver, heart and other areas throughout your pet's body.
Tumors or cysts may develop. Your pet may also not feel their best in generaly (if you've ever had a toothache, you understand how it can impact your mood!). Along with these factors, diseases related to oral health conditions can shorten your pet's lifespan and cause significant pain.
This is why regular dental care is so essential to animals' physical health and well-being.
- What happens during a pet teeth cleaning appointment?
During your pet’s regular oral exam, the vet will check his or her mouth and look for oral health conditions or any symptoms that may require treatment.
The vet will clean tartar and other debris from your cat's or dog's teeth. If cavities, gingivitis or other conditions need to be addressed, the vet will explain these to you and provide advice on which actions you should take.
In some cases, surgery will be needed to treat serious conditions. Your pet will be provided anesthesia before their dental procedure to ensure they are comfortable and do not experience any pain. However, special care will be needed post-surgery.
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a dental appointment with us.
- What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
At home, you should brush your pet's teeth on a regular basis and provide dental chew toys to help eliminate plaque.
Do not allow them to chew on things that will damage their teeth, such as bones, toys or objects that are too hard. Always contact your vet with any questions or concerns regarding your pet's oral health.
Veterinary Dentistry: Anesthesia & Your Pet's Oral Health
Dogs and cats will often react by biting or struggling during dental procedures, because they do not understand what is going on. We provide anesthesia to all of our patients before performing dental procedures. This allows us to X-ray your pet's mouth as needed while putting less stress on animals.