Caring Pet Smiles: Expert Dental Services
at
Great Oaks Veterinary Hospital
Healthy teeth and gums are essential to your pet’s overall well-being, which is why our veterinary team at Great Oaks Veterinary Hospital takes oral health seriously at every visit.
During each wellness exam, we look closely inside your pet’s mouth for any early signs of plaque buildup or gingivitis. If we notice changes that could lead to dental disease, we may recommend a thorough professional dental cleaning under general anesthesia. After that initial cleaning, annual dental visits help keep your pet’s smile bright and problem-free.
Why Your Pet’s Oral Hygiene Matters
A clean, comfortable mouth plays a major role in your pet’s quality of life. Untreated gingivitis and periodontal disease can lead to painful chewing, tooth loss, and persistent bad breath. More importantly, advanced gum disease allows harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting the heart, kidneys, and other vital organs. Professional dental care is one of the most effective ways to protect your pet from these serious health risks.
Comprehensive Dental Checkups
Our veterinarians follow AAHA® standards to ensure thorough, high-quality dental evaluations. Each dental visit provides thorough care for your pet’s teeth:
- Ultrasonic scaling to remove plaque and tartar
- Complete oral examination to assess tooth and gum health
- Fluoride treatment and polishing for long-lasting protection
- Periodontal pocket depth measurements recorded on a detailed dental chart
Your pet’s appointment is also a great opportunity to explore home dental care options. We can guide you in choosing the right products, including pet-safe toothpastes, brushes, oral rinses, and approved chew treats.
Safe, Advanced Anesthesia
Your pet’s safety comes first. Any time anesthesia is needed, we perform full pre-anesthetic testing and monitor your pet continuously using our SurgiVet® monitoring equipment. When appropriate, we may recommend sevoflurane, a highly safe anesthetic option that allows for smooth, controlled procedures. We also administer antibiotics with our dental treatments to provide an added layer of protection and support healing.
Minor Dental Procedures
Some dental conditions require more than cleaning alone. When necessary, we can perform additional treatments during your pet’s visit:
- Tooth extractions for fractured, abscessed, loose, or severely diseased teeth
- Gingivoplasty, a gentle reshaping of the gum line to eliminate deep pockets where food debris can accumulate
These procedures help prevent the spread of infection, relieve discomfort, and ensure your pet can eat normally and happily.
Dental Care to Support Your Pet’s Overall Health
At Great Oaks Veterinary Hospital, we’re committed to keeping your pet healthy from tooth to tail. If you’ve noticed bad breath, buildup on the teeth, or it’s simply time for a routine checkup, we’re here to help.
Schedule your pet’s dental appointment by calling us at (251) 639-7414 or submitting an appointment request form.
