Dental
Dental health forms the foundation of your pet’s overall wellness, yet it’s often overlooked until problems arise. At Jefferson Animal Hospital, we see the consequences of neglected dental care daily and understand how proper oral hygiene prevents pain and serious health complications.
Our veterinary team provides comprehensive dental services tailored to your pet’s specific needs—from thorough cleanings and digital radiographs to extractions and preventative care recommendations. Dr. Phillips and Dr. Breeding personally evaluate each patient, ensuring your beloved companions receive gentle, effective treatment that supports their health and comfort throughout every stage of life.
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Understanding Pet Dentistry
Veterinary dental care encompasses the professional assessment, treatment, and prevention of oral health issues in animals. This specialized service includes comprehensive cleanings that remove plaque and tartar both above and below the gumline, digital dental radiographs to evaluate tooth roots and jaw bone integrity, extractions of damaged or infected teeth, and preventative care education.
By age three, most pets already show signs of periodontal disease, which can cause pain, infection, and even lead to systemic health problems affecting major organs if left untreated. Regular professional dental care combined with appropriate home maintenance helps prevent these issues, extending your pet’s life and significantly improving their daily comfort and quality of life.
Benefits of Pet Dental Care
Prevents Painful Oral Disease
Regular dental care prevents conditions like gingivitis and periodontal disease that cause significant pain for your pet. These conditions often go unnoticed until they’re severe because animals instinctively hide their discomfort. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup that home care alone can’t address, stopping dental disease before it starts and eliminating sources of chronic pain.
Improves Overall Health
Your pet’s dental health directly impacts their entire body. Bacteria from dental infections can enter the bloodstream, affecting vital organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys. Studies show that pets receiving regular dental care live longer, healthier lives than those who don’t. By maintaining good dental hygiene, you’re protecting your pet’s whole-body health and potentially adding years to their life.
Eliminates Bad Breath
That “doggy breath” isn’t normal—it’s usually a sign of dental disease. Professional dental cleanings and regular home care can dramatically improve your pet’s breath, making cuddle time much more enjoyable. Fresh breath indicates healthy gums and teeth, so if you notice persistent bad breath, it’s time to schedule a dental checkup at Jefferson Animal Hospital.
Saves Money Long-Term
Preventive dental care is an investment that pays dividends. Treating advanced dental disease requires extensive procedures, including extractions, which are more costly than routine cleanings. Additionally, treating systemic issues caused by dental disease can require expensive medications and therapies. Regular maintenance, cleanings, and check-ups help avoid these larger expenses while keeping your pet comfortable.
Strengthens Your Bond
Pets with healthy mouths eat better, play more, and interact more positively with their families. Pain-free pets are happier pets, leading to more meaningful interactions and stronger bonds between you and your furry companion. Taking care of your pet’s dental needs demonstrates your commitment to their well-being and enhances your relationship through improved health and comfort.
Our Dental Care Process
Comprehensive Oral Assessment
Your pet receives a thorough examination of their mouth, teeth, and gums during their initial visit. Our veterinarians check for signs of tartar buildup, gum inflammation, loose or broken teeth, oral masses, and other dental problems. We discuss any concerns identified during this examination and answer your questions about your pet’s specific oral health needs.
Personalized Care Recommendations
Every pet has unique dental needs based on their age, breed, and current oral health condition. We develop a customized treatment approach that addresses immediate concerns while establishing preventative measures for long-term health. Your pet’s medical history, lifestyle, and your home care capabilities all factor into these recommendations.
Professional Dental Cleaning
On cleaning day, your pet receives careful anesthesia monitoring throughout their procedure for safety and comfort. Our team uses ultrasonic scaling technology to remove harmful tartar above and below the gumline, polishes teeth to create smooth surfaces that resist future buildup, and performs necessary treatments for existing dental disease. Your pet’s vital signs are continuously monitored throughout the procedure.
Recovery and Home Care Instruction
We ensure your pet recovers comfortably from their dental procedure before going home. You’ll receive specific aftercare guidance including appropriate feeding recommendations, activity restrictions, and detailed instructions for any medications. We demonstrate proper brushing techniques and help you select dental products that work best for your pet’s specific needs and temperament.
Ongoing Dental Supervision
Regular check-ups allow us to monitor your pet’s oral health progress and catch potential problems early. These follow-up visits help evaluate how well your home care routine is working and allow us to adjust recommendations as needed. Based on your pet’s dental health status, we’ll establish an appropriate schedule for future professional cleanings.
Why Choose Us
Jefferson Animal Hospital offers comprehensive dental care using the latest veterinary dental techniques and equipment. Our team has extensive experience in pet dental procedures and stays current with advancements in the field through continuing education.
Dr. Phillips and Dr. Breeding have completed additional training in veterinary dentistry and take a particular interest in helping pets with dental issues. We understand that every pet is unique, which is why we create individualized dental care plans rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
Get Expert Pet Dental Solutions Today
Your pet deserves a pain-free, healthy mouth throughout their life. Dr. Thompson and the Jefferson Animal Hospital team are ready to help you achieve that goal with compassionate, skilled dental care tailored to your pet’s needs. Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for helpful tips on maintaining your pet’s dental health, and call our office at 706-367-5161 today to schedule your pet’s dental consultation.
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FAQs
Does pet insurance cover dental?
Most pet insurance policies cover dental treatments when they’re related to accidents or illness, but coverage for routine cleanings varies by provider. Many companies offer wellness add-ons that include annual dental cleanings as part of preventative care packages. We recommend reviewing your specific policy details and contacting your insurance provider directly to understand exactly what dental procedures are covered before scheduling treatment.
Do pet dental wipes work?
Pet dental wipes can be effective as part of a comprehensive home care routine, especially for pets who resist toothbrushing. They help remove food particles and some surface plaque through mechanical cleaning, though they don’t reach below the gumline like brushing does. For optimal results, use dental wipes daily in combination with other approved dental products and regular professional cleanings at Jefferson Animal Hospital.
How much is a pet dental cleaning?
The cost of a professional pet dental cleaning typically ranges from $300 to $700, depending on your pet’s specific needs and the extent of dental disease present. This price usually includes pre-anesthetic bloodwork, anesthesia, monitoring, scaling, polishing, and a basic oral examination. Additional procedures like extractions or dental radiographs will increase the total cost, which is why we provide detailed estimates after examining your pet.
Which dental care routine is right for my pet?
The ideal dental care routine depends on your pet’s age, breed, temperament, and current oral health status. Daily toothbrushing provides the best protection against plaque buildup, but alternatives include dental diets, approved chews, water additives, and gels. During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your pet’s needs and your lifestyle to recommend products and techniques that will be most effective and practical for your situation.
Why is pet dental care important?
Pet dental care is crucial because oral health directly impacts overall physical well-being, comfort, and longevity. Without proper care, 80% of pets develop significant dental disease by age three, leading to chronic pain, difficulty eating, and serious infections that can spread to vital organs. Regular dental care prevents suffering, helps avoid costly extractions and treatments later in life, and ensures your pet can eat, play, and interact comfortably throughout their lifetime.
