Veterinary Dentistry & Dental Surgery
At Falls Road Animal Hospital, we provide quality veterinary dental care and surgery for cats and dogs in Baltimore and the surrounding area.
Dental Care You Can Trust
Just like in humans, routine dental care for your cat or dog is a critical component of their oral and overall health. However, most pets don't get the oral hygiene care necessary to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
At our Baltimore veterinary hospital, we provide comprehensive dental care for your pet, from basics such as thorough dental exams, teeth cleanings and polishing to dental x-rays and surgeries.
We are also passionate about educating pet owners about the importance of dental health and home dental care.
Dental Surgery in Baltimore
We understand that finding out that your pet needs dental surgery can be scary, so we strive to ensure this process is as stress-free as possible, for both you and your pet.
We do everything we can to ensure your pet's experience with us is easy and comfortable. We'll explain each step of the process in detail before the procedure, including any preparation and post-operative care needs your pet will have.
We offer tooth extractions, gum disease treatment and jaw fracture repair surgeries for dogs and cats.
Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams
Your pet should see the veterinarian for a dental examination at least once a year. Dogs and cats who are more susceptible to dental issues may need to see us more often.
Falls Road Animal Hospital can assess, diagnose and treat dental health problems in dogs and cats.
- Symptoms
If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, it's time for a dental checkup.
- Tartar buildup
- Discoloured teeth
- Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- 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
- Assessment
We will complete a thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment for your pet before their dental exam.
Blood and urine analyses will be taken to ensure it's safe for us to provide your pet with anesthesia. Additional diagnostics such as chest radiographs or an ECG may also be conducted.
Once your pet is completely under anesthesia, we will perform a thorough oral examination (tooth-by-tooth) and charting.
- Treatment
The teeth are then cleaned and polished (including under the gum line), x-rays are taken and a fluoride treatment is applied to each tooth.
We conclude regular dental treatment by applying a dental sealant to prevent plaque from attaching to the enamel. If advanced periodontal disease is discovered. the vet will create a treatment plan and discuss it with you.
- Prevention
We will book a complimentary follow-up examination two weeks following the initial assessment and treatment appointment.
At this visit, we will discuss implementing teeth brushing at home. We may also recommend products to help improve your pet's oral health.
FAQs About Pet Dental Care
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from clients about pet dental care.
- Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
Just like humans, our pets can develop conditions such as periodontal disease and issues with their gums (including gingivitis) as a consequence of poor oral health.
When our four-legged friends eat, plaque sticks to their teeth and can build up into tartar if not brushed away properly and regularly.
This can lead to bad breath, periodontal disease, infections in the mouth, and even loose or missing teeth. That's why regular dental care is essential to preventing pain or disease in the gums. Tooth extractions may also be required.
- How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
Did you know oral health problems can manifest in behavior? Fluffy or Fido may drool excessively (and the drool may contain blood pr pus), which can indicate serious dental health issues. Some may have bad breath.
You may see swollen gums or notice their teeth have become stained with plaque. Some pets may even suffer from pain or discomfort that keeps them from eating. Find more information about symptoms to the left, under Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams.
- What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
Regular dental care is essential to your pet's physical health and wellbeing.
Besides causing problems ranging from bad breath, plaque and cavities to severe periodontal disease, oral health conditions and diseases can lead to problems in organs such as the heart, liver, kidney and other areas in your pet's body.
Tumors or cysts may develop. Your pet may also not feel themselves or get to enjoy a long, happy and healthy life, since diseases caused by oral health conditions can potentially shorten their lifespan.
- What happens during a pet teeth cleaning appointment?
While your vet checks your pet's mouth during his or her regular oral exam, he or she will look for signs of oral health conditions or any symptoms that require treatment, such as:
- Signs of plaque or tartar
- Drooling excessively
- Odorous breath
- Swelling on gum or cheek tissue
- Inability to chew properly
- Signs of pain or discomfort in the mouth
- Stained, fractured or missing teeth
- Unusual bleeding
The vet will clear tartar and other debris from your cat's or dog's teeth. If gingivitis, cavities or other conditions are discovered, your vet will discuss these with you and provide advice on how to address them and what actions should be taken.
In some cases, serious conditions will require surgery to treat. Before their dental procedure, your pet will be provided with anesthesia to ensure they are comfortable and do not experience any pain. However, special care will be required post-surgery.
If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, please schedule a dental appointment with us.
- What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
At home, brush your pet's teeth on a regular basis and provide dental chew toys to help get rid of plaque.
Prevent them from chewing on things that will damage their teeth, such as toys, bones or objects that are too hard. Always contact your vet with any questions or concerns about your pet's oral health.
Veterinary Dentistry: Anesthesia & Your Pet's Oral Health
Because cats and dogs do not understand what is happening during dental procedures, they will often react to treatment by biting or struggling.
We provide anesthesia to all of our patients before completing dental procedures. This puts less stress on the animals and allows us to x-ray their mouth as required.