Comprehensive Dental Care for Cats & Dogs
Routine dental care is a critical component of cats' and dogs' oral and overall health, but most pets don't get the oral hygiene care they need to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
Our approach to veterinary dentistry starts with regular dental cleanings and exams when your pets are young. We recommend regular dental checkups and cleanings at least every 1 to 2 years in most cases. Some pets, however, require more frequent cleanings.
At Marcello Veterinary Hospital, we offer dental exams, cleanings, and extractions to help your furry friends stay in tip-top shape. We also make a point of providing dental health education to pet owners about home dental care for their pets.
Dental Surgery in Houma & Raceland
We understand that finding out that your pet needs dental surgery can be overwhelming. We strive to make this process as stress-free as possible, for you and for your pet.
We'll do everything we can to ensure your pet's experience with us is comfortable and easy. We'll break down each step of the process to you in detail before the procedure, including preparation and post-operative care requirements.
We offer jaw fracture repair surgeries, tooth extractions, and gum disease treatment for dogs and cats.
Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams
Much like your annual checkup at the dentist, your dog or cat should come in for a dental examination at least once a year. Pets who are more prone to dental problems than others may need to see us more often.
During your pet's dental exam, we will look for signs of disease such as fractured teeth, worn areas of enamel due to chewing, retained “baby” teeth, plaque, tartar, inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), abnormal growths or masses of the gums or mouth, tooth discoloration, infected teeth, and more.
We will then determine if a professional cleaning or further treatment is necessary.
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Signs of Dental Health Problems
Some pets become irritable when they have dental problems, and any changes in your pet’s behavior should prompt a visit.
Always be careful when evaluating your pet's mouth, because an animal in pain may bite.
If you notice your pet exhibiting any of the following conditions, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
- Tartar buildup
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Bad breath
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Abnormal chewing, drooling or dropping food from the mouth
- Discolored teeth
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Assessment
A thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment will be completed for your pet before the dental exam.
We will take blood and urine analyses to ensure it's safe for your pet to undergo anesthesia. Additional diagnostics, such as chest radiographs or an ECG may also be conducted.
Once your pet is under anesthesia, we will conduct a complete oral examination (tooth by tooth) and charting.
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Treatment & Prevention
Next, we perform a full cleaning both above and below the gum line where periodontal disease lurks. It would be impossible to clean below the gum line on a dog or cat who is awake. However, this is where periodontal disease begins–with bacteria “living” below the gum tissues.
A cleaning involves scaling or scraping the tooth to remove plaque and calculus.
Lastly, the teeth are polished, leaving a completely smooth surface which discourages plaque and bacteria from adhering to the rough tooth surface. Your pet may be discharged with antibiotics or pain medication following a dental procedure.
If advanced periodontal disease is found, the veterinarian will develop a treatment plan and discuss it with you.
Our staff will also make recommendations for preventative home care such as brushing your pet’s teeth in between cleanings and supplying them with oral hygiene chews.
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Periodontal Disease
Dental care is one of the most neglected aspects of pet health care.
As with people, oral disease in pets begins with bacteria in the mouth that harden and form plaque that adheres to teeth. If not removed through regular care and cleaning, these bacteria will accumulate, harden into tartar, and can lead to the development of periodontal disease.
Once periodontal disease is established, constant exposure to these bacteria can potentially cause damage to major organs of the body such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. To learn more about dental disease, click here.
FAQs About Pet Dental Care
If this is your first time bringing your pet to Marcello Veterinary Hospital for a dental appointment we know that you are bound to have questions.
Please take a few moments to read through the answers below to some of the most frequently asked questions from our clients about pet dental care.
Need more information? Contact us - we are always happy to answer our clients' questions.
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Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
Our pets can develop periodontal disease or tooth decay as a consequence of poor oral health.
Just like in humans, when animals eat, plaque sticks to their teeth and can build up into tartar if not brushed away regularly.
This can lead to infections in the mouth, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and even loose or missing teeth. That's why regular dental care is essential to preventing pain or disease in the gums.
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How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
Did you know behavior may be an indication of oral health problems? If your pet is experiencing dental problems, they drool excessively (and the drool may contain pus or blood), or you may notice them pawing at their mouth or teeth. They may also yawn excessively, grind their teeth, or stop grooming sufficiently.
Other signs of oral health problems include bad breath, swollen gums, and tooth discoloration. Some pets may even suffer from pain that keeps them from eating. Read more about symptoms to the left under Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams.
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What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
Besides causing problems ranging from cavities and bad breath to severe periodontal disease, oral health issues and conditions can lead to disease in the liver, kidney, heart, and other areas throughout your pet's body.
Cysts or tumors may develop. Your pet may also not feel well in general (if you've ever had a toothache, you know how it can affect your mood!). In addition, diseases related to oral health conditions can shorten the lifespan of your pet and cause significant pain.
This is why regular dental care is so essential to animals' physical health and well-being.
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What happens during a pet teeth cleaning appointment?
We perform a full cleaning both above and below the gum-line where periodontal disease lurks. It would be impossible to clean below the gum line on a dog or cat who is awake. However, this is where periodontal disease begins–with bacteria “living” below the gum tissues. A cleaning involves scaling or scraping the tooth to remove plaque and calculus.
Lastly, the teeth are polished, leaving a completely smooth surface of the tooth which discourages plaque and bacteria from adhering to the rough tooth surface. Your pet may be discharged with antibiotics or pain medication following a dental procedure.
Our staff will also make recommendations for preventative home care such as brushing your pet's teeth in between cleanings and supplying them with oral hygiene chews. In some cases, surgery will be needed to treat serious conditions.
If you notice any symptoms of oral health issues in your cat or dog, schedule a dental appointment with us.
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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 give them dental chew toys. These will 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.
- Tartar buildup
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Bad breath
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Abnormal chewing, drooling or dropping food from the mouth
- Discolored teeth
Veterinary Dentistry: Anesthesia & Your Pet's Oral Health
General anesthesia is required for your cat or dog to receive the most complete and thorough cleaning possible.
We know that this is a concern for pet owners, and we are committed to the safety and well-being of your four-legged family member. Because of this, prior to the procedure, we perform pre-anesthetic blood work for all animals over the age of 7. All pets placed under general anesthesia during the dental procedure are supervised by one of our specially trained technicians dedicated to monitoring respiration, heart rate, and blood pressure throughout the entire process.