Importance of Pet Dental Care
A Healthy Smile, a Healthy Pet
Bad breath isn’t just unpleasant—it’s often a sign of underlying dental disease. Bacteria cause plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to gum infection, pain while chewing, bleeding, and even loose or missing teeth. Left unchecked, dental disease can affect your pet’s overall well-being, and has even been linked to heart and kidney complications. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential to catch issues early and protect your pet’s health.
Comprehensive Care Rooted in Education & Innovation
At Main St. Veterinary Hospital, our veterinarians continually attend conferences and hands-on labs dedicated to the latest and safest dentistry practices. Ongoing training ensures your pet benefits from cutting-edge techniques and the best possible outcomes—lasting smiles and improved quality of life.
Safe, Thoughtful Dental Procedures
Dental work is more than a cleaning—it’s a procedure that demands the same care and safety we apply to any surgery:
- Pre-Anesthetic Bloodwork & Exams
Before any dental procedure, every pet undergoes thorough pre-anesthetic bloodwork and a physical exam. This critical step helps us confirm that anesthesia is safe and that your pet is a good candidate for sedation.
- Supportive IV Fluids & Catheter
Every patient receives an IV catheter for fluid therapy during anesthesia to help maintain blood pressure and organ perfusion.
- Comprehensive Monitoring During Anesthesia
We closely monitor blood pressure, ECG, temperature, and oxygen levels throughout the procedure to ensure stability and safety.
- Full-Mouth Radiographs with Every Cleaning
X-rays are taken of the entire mouth during every dental to reveal hidden disease—especially problematic roots or resorptive lesions—allowing us to pinpoint teeth needing extraction.
Preventive Dentistry & At-Home Care
Even if your pet’s mouth appears healthy, we’re here to help maintain that condition. We’ll guide you in choosing the best at-home dental tools—like brushes, VOHC-approved treats, or water additives—to keep plaque at bay between professional cleanings.