Veterinary Dentistry & Dental Surgery
Our veterinarians at The Landing Veterinary Hospital are proud to provide restorative and preventative dental care for pets ranging from surgeries to cleanings and polishing.
Dental Care for Cats & Dogs in Gibsons
Routine dental care is a key part of dogs' and cats' oral and overall health and wellbeing. However, many pets aren't able to receive the care they need in order to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
At our veterinary clinic, we provide comprehensive dental care for pets throughout BC's Sunshine Coast, from the basics such as dental cleanings and polishing to dental surgeries and x-rays.
We are also committed to providing all of our clients with dental health education in order to assist them in caring for their pet's oral hygiene at home.
Dental Surgery in Gibsons & Sunshine Coast BC
We know that discovering your pet needs dental surgery can be a source of anxiety for any pet owner. However, we do everything we can to make this process as stress-free as possible for your pet and for you.
We will do everything we can in order to make the process of dental surgery as comfortable and seamless for your pet as possible. This includes breaking down each step of the process for you before we begin the procedure as well as any post-operative care requirements. We offer jaw fracture repair surgeries, tooth extractions, and gum disease treatment for dogs and cats.
Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams
Just like your annual checkup at your dentist, your cat or dog should come in for a dental examination once per year at minimum. Pets who are predisposed to developing dental problems may need to visit more frequently though.
The Landing Veterinary Hospital can assess, diagnose and treat dental health problems in cats and dogs.
- Symptoms
If you notice any of the following symptoms in your pet, it's time for a dental checkup.
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Tartar buildup
- Discoloured teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Bad breath
- Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
- Assessment
We will conduct a comprehensive pre-operative assessment of your pet before starting the dental examination.
We will take blood and urine analyses to ensure it's safe for your pet to undergo anesthesia. Additional diagnostics, such as chest radiographs or an ECG may also be conducted.
Once your pet is under the effects of anesthesia, we will conduct a complete tooth by tooth oral examination and charting.
- Treatment
Next, the teeth are cleaned and polished (including under the gum line) and x-rays are taken. We then apply a fluoride treatment to each tooth.
The final step is to apply a dental sealant to prevent plaque from attaching to the enamel. If advanced periodontal disease is found, the veterinarian will develop a treatment plan and discuss it with you.
- Prevention
Ideally, a follow-up examination will be scheduled two weeks after the initial assessment and treatment appointment.
During this visit, we will discuss implementing teeth brushing at home. We can also recommend products that can help improve your pet's oral health.
FAQs About Pet Dental Care
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from our patients about pet dental care.
- Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
Our pets can develop periodontal disease or tooth decay as a consequence of poor oral health.
Just like in humans, when your pet eats, plaque sticks to their teeth and can build up into tartar if not brushed away regularly.
This can cause mouth infections, tooth decay and gum disease. Even missing or loose teeth. This is why regular dental care is so essential to preventing pain and discomfort in your pet.
- How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
Did you know behaviour may be an indication of oral health problems? If your pet is experiencing dental problems, they drool excessively (and the drool may contain pus or blood), or you may notice them pawing at their mouth or teeth. They may also yawn excessively, grind their teeth, or stop grooming sufficiently.
Other signs of oral health problems include bad breath, swollen gums, and tooth discolouration. Some pets may even suffer from pain that keeps them from eating. Read more about symptoms to the left under Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams.
- What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
Besides causing problems ranging from cavities and bad breath to severe periodontal disease, oral health issues and conditions can lead to disease in the liver, kidney, heart, and other areas throughout your pet's body.
Your pet may also develop cysts or tumours, or feel generally unwell. If you've had a toothache, you will know how it feels! In addition, your dog or cat may have their lifespan shortened by health issues related to poor oral health or dental conditions as well as cause significant pain.
This is why regular dental care is so essential to animals' physical health and wellbeing.
- What happens during a pet teeth cleaning appointment?
During your pet’s regular oral exam, the vet will examine his or her mouth and look for oral health conditions or any symptoms needing treatment.
The vet will clean tartar and other debris from your cat's or dog's teeth. If cavities, gingivitis, or other conditions need to be addressed, the vet will explain these to you and provide advice on which actions you should take.
In some cases, surgery will be needed to treat serious conditions. Your pet will be provided with anesthesia before their dental procedure to ensure they are comfortable and do not experience any pain. However, special care will be needed post-surgery.
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a dental appointment with us.
- What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
At home, you should brush your pet's teeth on a regular basis and give them dental chew toys. These will help eliminate plaque.
Do not allow them to chew on things that will damage their teeth, such as bones, toys or objects that are too hard. Always contact your vet with any questions or concerns regarding your pet's oral health.
Veterinary Dentistry: Anesthesia & Your Pet's Oral Health
Dogs and cats don't know what is happening during a dental procedure and they can react with biting or struggling.
Similar to the anesthesia provided to nervous or anxious patients by dentists, our Gibsons vets provide anesthesia to all of our patients before performing dental procedures. This puts less stress on your pet and allows us to x-ray their mouth as needed.
We Always Welcome New Patients
The Landing Veterinary Hospital is accepting new patients! Our veterinarians are passionate about providing quality healthcare to pets from all over the Sunshine Coast. Contact us to book your pet's first appointment today.