Expert Pet Dental Surgery at Boca Midtowne Animal Hospital
Prioritizing Your Pet’s Dental Health
Dental health is a crucial yet often neglected aspect of pet wellness. Just as with people, poor oral hygiene in pets can lead to pain, tooth loss, and even systemic infections affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys. At Boca Midtowne Animal Hospital, we emphasize the importance of routine dental care and early intervention to prevent these serious health issues.
Studies indicate that most pets show signs of dental disease by age three. The progression from mild gingivitis to severe periodontal disease can cause chronic pain, infections, and difficulty eating. Regular dental check-ups, professional cleanings, and proper home care are essential to maintaining your pet’s overall health and quality of life.
Recognizing Signs of Dental Disease in Pets
Pets often suffer from dental pain without showing obvious signs. This is why routine dental exams are so important. If you notice any of the following symptoms, your pet may need dental care or even surgery:
- Bad breath (a common sign of infection)
- Difficulty eating or favoring one side of the mouth
- Excessive drooling
- Bleeding or swollen gums
- Visible tartar buildup or discolored teeth
- Loose, fractured, or missing teeth
- Pawing at the mouth or avoiding chew toys
One common dental emergency is fractured teeth, which often occur when pets chew on hard objects like bones, antlers, or hooves. These fractures expose the sensitive pulp inside the tooth, causing severe pain and infection. Learn more about diagnosing and treating fractured teeth.
If you notice any of these signs, schedule a dental evaluation immediately to prevent further complications.
Book an appointment at Boca Midtowne Animal Hospital.
Comprehensive Pet Dental Services
At Boca Midtowne Animal Hospital, we provide a full range of dental services, from preventative cleanings to complex extractions and advanced dental treatments.
Professional Dental Cleanings
A professional cleaning includes:
- Scaling and polishing to remove plaque and tartar
- Dental X-rays to assess tooth and bone health
- Gum pocket probing to check for hidden infections
- Fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel
Learn more about dental radiography and its importance.
Tooth Extractions & Oral Surgery
When a tooth is severely damaged, fractured, or infected, extraction may be the best option. While we aim to preserve teeth whenever possible, removing a diseased or painful tooth can drastically improve a pet’s quality of life.
Many pet owners report immediate improvements in behavior, appetite, and energy levels after extractions.
Explore our full list of veterinary services.
Advanced Dental Procedures
In cases where a tooth can be saved, specialized treatments may be an option:
- Root Canals – Preserves a fractured but healthy tooth by removing infected pulp.
- Orthodontics – Corrects misaligned teeth that cause chronic pain.
- Gingival Surgery – Treats severe gum disease and overgrown tissue.
These procedures help pets maintain better oral health and avoid extractions whenever possible. Learn more about professional dental cleanings and anesthesia for pets.
How to Prepare for Your Pet’s Dental Surgery
Before any dental procedure requiring anesthesia, we provide detailed pre-operative guidelines to ensure a safe and smooth experience.
Pre-Surgery Checklist
- Fasting: Withhold food for 8-12 hours before the procedure to prevent anesthesia complications.
- Pre-Anesthetic Bloodwork: Evaluates organ function to ensure safe sedation.
- Custom Anesthesia Plan: Tailored to your pet’s age, breed, and health condition.
At-Home Dental Care for Pets
Preventative care at home is essential to maintaining your pet’s oral health between professional cleanings.
Tips for Keeping Your Pet’s Teeth Healthy
- Brush Daily – Use pet-safe toothpaste and a soft toothbrush.
- Choose Safe Dental Chews – Avoid hard bones, hooves, and antlers, as they can cause painful fractures.
- Feed a Dental Diet – Special pet foods can help reduce plaque buildup.
- Schedule Regular Vet Visits – Annual exams catch dental problems early.
Many popular dog chews marketed as “dental-friendly” can actually damage teeth. Learn more about which dog chews to avoid.
Post-Surgery Recovery & Home Care
After dental surgery, proper aftercare is crucial for a smooth and pain-free recovery.
Post-Operative Care Instructions
- Pain Relief: Medications may be prescribed to keep your pet comfortable.
- Soft Food Diet: Your pet may need to eat soft food for several days.
- Avoid Hard Chews: Keep your pet from chewing on hard objects.
- Monitor for Infection: Watch for redness, swelling, or discharge at the surgery site.
- Follow-Up Visit: A recheck will ensure healing is on track.
Most pets bounce back quickly, with many showing immediate relief from dental pain.
Why Choose Boca Midtowne Animal Hospital for Pet Dental Care?
At Boca Midtowne Animal Hospital, we are committed to providing the highest level of veterinary dentistry, ensuring that each pet receives expert care tailored to their specific needs.
Our experienced team uses state-of-the-art equipment, including digital dental radiography, to detect hidden dental problems before they become serious issues.
Pet owners often report dramatic improvements in their pet’s energy levels, appetite, and overall happiness after dental treatments.
FAQs About Pet Dental Surgery
Q: How do I know if my pet needs dental surgery?
A: Look for bad breath, tartar buildup, difficulty eating, and swollen gums. A veterinarian can determine if surgery is necessary.
Q: Is anesthesia safe for dental cleanings?
A: Yes! Modern veterinary anesthesia is extremely safe. We perform pre-anesthetic screenings to ensure the lowest possible risk.
Q: How long does it take for pets to recover from dental surgery?
A: Most pets recover within a few days to a week. Follow-up exams ensure proper healing.
Schedule Your Pet’s Dental Exam Today
Regular dental care prevents painful infections, tooth loss, and serious health complications. A simple dental exam could add years to your pet’s life.
If your pet is showing signs of dental discomfort or is due for a professional cleaning, don’t wait—early intervention is key.
Schedule a dental consultation with Boca Midtowne Animal Hospital today!
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