THOROUGH DENTAL CLEANINGS FOR HEALTHY SMILES
Your pet’s oral health is closely linked to their overall well-being. Dental issues like plaque buildup and gingivitis can cause significant discomfort, especially when eating. Additionally, bacteria from the gums can enter the bloodstream and potentially affect the heart and other vital organs.
During each wellness exam, Dr. Rostykus will examine your dog or cat’s mouth and, if needed, recommend a dental cleaning. If treatment isn’t urgent, he may suggest rechecking your pet’s oral health in six to eight months.
Pre-Anesthesia Precautions
To ensure a comprehensive dental exam and cleaning—both above and below the gum line—we perform all dental procedures under general anesthesia. Because of this, we treat dental cleanings with the same level of care as surgical procedures. This includes a pre-anesthetic physical exam and, when appropriate, bloodwork to screen for any underlying conditions that could affect your pet’s safety during anesthesia.
Your Pet’s Dental Checkup
During your pet’s comprehensive dental visit, Dr. Rostykus will perform a visual examination to check for obvious abnormalities such as swelling or lumps, and thoroughly clean and polish your pet’s teeth.
He will also take digital dental x-rays to look for:
Tooth fractures
Root abscesses
Infections beneath the gum line
Damaged/broken roots
Holes on the tooth surfaces (primarily in cats)
Tumors
If extractions are needed, Dr. Rostykus will perform those during the same visit. If your pet needs more extensive dental work, such as a root canal, we will refer you to a nearby specialist.