Every animal deserves a comfortable mouth.
Did you know that around 75% of dogs and cats have some form of dental disease by the age of 3 years? The majority of pets will show few signs of having a painful mouth so regular checkups help identify those animals at risk.
There are 3 main types of dental problem that may require treatment:
- Periodontal (gum) disease in dogs & cats happens as a result of plaque and bacteria accumulating in the mouth. Gingivitis results (inflammation of the gums) and gradually the attachments of the tooth are damaged causing it to loosen and fall out. This painful condition can also lead to systemic illnesses such as kidney failure.
- Up to 70% of cats will be affected by tooth resorption in their lifetime. A hole forms in the crown, and in some cases, the roots are affected too. This condition is very painful and requires x-rays and tooth extraction.
- Dental trauma and fractures can be caused by chewing on inappropriate objects or through injury. Teeth extraction is normally required, but in some cases, they can be referred to a veterinary dental specialist for repair.
Dental care at Garston Vets
If one of our team has recommended dental treatment for your pet it is important to act on this advice to prevent the condition from getting worse. At Garston Vets, we have invested heavily in state-of-the-art dentistry equipment and facilities to ensure your pet receives the best possible dental care.
Your pet's dental treatment
Recently, we have moved to a 'staged dental process'. It is impossible to make a proper assessment and plan for dental disease in a conscious patient, and hence, previously, the length of time a procedure took and the risks to the patient and cost for the owner were unpredictable. With our new process, the dental is performed in two (or occasionally more) procedures, all with the pet under general anaesthetic:
1. Assessment Stage:
- Similar to a human dental hygienist visit, this stage involves dental charting, photography, full mouth radiographs (for all cats and some dogs) and thorough scaling and polishing.
- Post-assessment, the findings are discussed with the owner, along with a detailed treatment plan for the next stage.
2. Treatment Stage:
- This is scheduled after the assessment and involves necessary surgical interventions such as extractions. Dental extractions very often require a surgical procedure in dogs and cats.
- Clear communication and informed consent are emphasised, ensuring owners understand the procedures and associated costs without feeling pressured.
Staged dentistry has several advantages:
For pets:
- Two shorter procedures lead to enhanced safety with reduced risks of hypothermia and low blood pressure.
- Complications such as haemorrhage and post-op infection are reduced.
For owners:
- Better understanding of the pet's dental health and treatment options.
- More predictable and transparent pricing, avoiding unexpected costs.
- Opportunities for detailed discussions with the vet about the pet's condition and care plan
Safety Considerations:
- Modern anaesthetic practices ensure each stage is a safe as possible with continuous monitoring by trained staff and tailored anaesthetic protocols.
- All pets receive IV fluids for the treatment stage, and those over 10 years old receive them for the assessment stage. This reduces the anaesthetic risks.
- The risk associated with multiple anaesthetics does not increase cumulatively: e.g. two anaesthetics of two hours duration each are safer than one four hour procedure. Each general anaesthetic is managed with the same level of care and vigilance.
Insurance and costs:
- The staged process is intended to be cost-neutral compared with a single prolonged procedure.
- Some insurance policies cover dental treatment, but this varies. Regular checkups may be required for eligibility.
Post-op care:
- We will check your pet after 2 and 10 days to make sure they are recovering well from the procedure.
- Owners are encouraged to begin routine at-home care, particularly tooth brushing, once their animal's mouth has healed. Resources and guidance are provided to support effective home care.
FREE pet dental checkups for life
Following dental treatment, your pet will be entitled to FREE dental check-ups for life with our nursing team every 6 months. It is likely that your pet will need further dental treatment at some stage but good home care will reduce the frequency over their lifetime.
How to prevent dental disease in dogs & cats
Pet teeth brushing is the BEST way of keeping your pet’s teeth healthy. You should aim to brush your pet’s teeth every day with pet-specific toothpaste, using a soft-bristled toothbrush or a finger brush. Brushing is the single most effective method of removing the plaque that leads to gum disease.
If you find daily brushing difficult or your pet won’t tolerate it, there are other products you can use instead of/in addition:
- Yucare Tooth Cleaner - a microfibre finger sleeve with silver ions can be used daily instead of brushing
- ROYAL CANIN® Dental Diet - larger kibble size and a special formulation will help reduce plaque build-up
- Water additives and rinses - used in addition to brushing and diets can improve oral hygiene
- Dental Chews - the daily use of chews such as VeggieDent can help keep teeth clean and promote gum health
Checking your pet’s teeth and gums at home regularly for any damage, plaque build-up, or abnormalities can help with spotting signs of dental decay early. Your pet should also have periodic dental checks with our veterinary team, just as you would visit your own dentist around every 6-12 months.
Why not join our Wellness Plan
At Garston Vets we firmly believe that prevention is better than cure. Our Wellness Plan has been specifically designed so that your pet not only receives all of the essential vaccinations and parasite protection they need, but also a whole range of additional benefits to help ensure they remain in the best possible health.
Our team will work with you to make sure every aspect of your pet's health care plan is appropriate for their age and lifestyle. To budget with confidence whilst providing premium treatment for your pet, sign up to our 12-month payment plan to spread the cost of your pet's preventative healthcare and start enjoying the many benefits right away.
At Garston Vets we believe our Wellness Plan provides exceptional cover as it includes tick prevention - an ever-increasing problem in rural areas. Join today!
