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August is Mercer Island Veterinary Clinic Dental Health Month
Join us to celebrate with a 15% discount off the dental cleaning portion of every dentistry invoice, and free dental health exams by our technicians.
Mercer Island Veterinary Clinic is proud to provide comprehensive dentistry for pets. Ultrasonic scaling and polishing, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, digital dental x-rays and extractions are just a few examples of the complete care available.
First time patient? Does your dog or cat have doggy or kitty breath? Bad breath is a sign of dental disease and you should bring your pet to see the veterinarian. We use modern equipment, the safest anesthetic agents and full patient monitoring during dentistry.
Already have an appointment? Learn what to do before you come in, and download your treatment consent form in advance.
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According to the AVMA, more than 85% of dogs and cats that are at least 4 years old have a condition in which bacteria attack the soft gum tissue. This condition is called periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is the final stage in a process that begins with the development of plaque on your pet's teeth. Plaque is a substance that forms when bacteria multiply on the teeth and gums. Plaque mixes with saliva, hardens, and becomes the substances known as tartar and calculus. Bacteria, plaque, tartar, and calculus irritate the gums, which become tender, red, and swollen. This stage of dental disease is called gingivitis. Eventually inflamed gums separate from the teeth, creating pockets that can trap more bacteria. These pockets deepen and bacteria may attack the roots of the teeth and the bony tissue of the jaw, causing teeth to loosen, the gums to bleed, mouth odor, and pain when your pet eats. This is full-blown periodontal disease.
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 After dentistry |
Bacteria from the teeth and gums can enter the bloodstream and may travel to major organs and begin infection there. Among organs that are most often affected are the lungs, heart, kidneys, and liver. Parts of the nervous system may be affected as well. Although these infections are usually treatable when caught at an early stage, they can cause serious damage to these organs and, if not caught in time, may cause death.
Periodontal disease can be prevented and treated. The keys to your pet's oral health are professional veterinary dental care and good care at home. Too few pets receive both and most don't receive either. You can change that today with these simple steps:
Step 1. Visit your veterinarian.
In addition to a physical examination and medical history, the doctor will examine your pet's teeth and gums. Recommendations may be made for cleaning, polishing, and other dental care in the hospital, or your veterinarian may suggest a program of home dental care.
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Step 2. Professional dental care.
If your pet already has evidence of periodontal disease, a professional cleaning is in order. In the morning of your appointment, you will drop your pet off here at the clinic. A blood sample will be drawn to assure your pet's health is adequate to undergo anesthesia. An IV will be placed to administer medications and fluids, and your pet will be anesthetized. We use isoflurane or sevoflurane inhalant anesthesia, and the airway is protected with an endotracheal breathing tube at all times during the procedure.
Once your pet is under anesthesia, accumulated tartar and calculus is removed by ultrasonic and hand scaling. A complete dental chart is recorded, including depth of any pockets in the gums, areas of broken or damaged teeth or other abnormalities. If damaged teeth are found, dental x-rays will be taken to determine the health of tooth roots. Advanced procedures such as bone grafting, periodontal sealants and antibiotic implantation and dental extractions can be performed as necessary. Finally the teeth are polished to slow down formation of new plaque, tartar, and calculus. If there is a serious dental condition such as misaligned bite, teeth needing a root canal or crown, or advanced bone loss, your pet may be referred to the veterinary dental specialist.
Step 3. Dental care at home.
For cats and dogs, regular brushing is an important part of any preventive dental program. A special toothbrush and toothpaste for pets are recommended. Your technician can demonstrate proper brushing, and a new toothbrush and toothpaste will be sent home with every patient following dentistry.
Visit our eBrochure for instructions on home tooth brushing.
Feeding your pet coarse-textured food may help prevent accumulation of plaque, tartar, and calculus. We recommend Hill's T/D diet for optimal dental health.
Step 4. Return to your veterinarian for regular dental checkups every 3 to 12 months as recommended by your veterinarian.
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