Veterinary Dentistry & Dental Surgery in Greensboro

Dental Care for Cats & Dogs

Just like in humans, routine pet dental care is a very important aspect of cats' and dogs' oral and overall health.

However, most cats and dogs don't get the oral hygiene care they need to keep their teeth and gums healthy.

At our Greensboro veterinary hospital, we offer complete dental care for pets, including basics like dental exams and cleanings, as well as teeth polishing, dental x-rays, dental surgeries, and education for pet owners on home dental care.

Dental Surgery in Greensboro

We know that finding out that your pet needs surgery can be scary, and so we strive to make the process as stress-free as possible for you.

We'll also do everything we can to ensure your pet has a comfortable, easy experience with us. We'll explain each step of the process to you in detail ahead of the procedure, including preparation and post-operative care.

We offer tooth extractions, gum disease treatment, and jaw fracture repair surgeries for dogs and cats.

Annual Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams

Your pet should have a dental examination at least one time a year. Some dogs and cats are more prone to dental problems than others, and may need to visit us more often.

Guilford-Jamestown 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, a dental checkup is in order.

  • Bad breath
  • Loose and/or broken teeth
  • Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
  • Discoloured teeth
  • Tartar buildup
  • Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
  • Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
  • Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
  • Bleeding from the mouth

  Contact Us to Book a Dental Checkup
• Assessment

  Before the dental exam begins, a thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment will be performed on your pet.

  We will perform blood and urine analyses to make sure it is safe for your pet to undergo anesthesia. Additional diagnostics such as an ECG or chest radiographs may also be conducted.

  Once your pet is fully under anesthesia, we will perform a complete oral examination (tooth by tooth) and charting.

• Treatment

  Next, we clean and polish the teeth (including under the gum line), and take x-rays. A fluoride treatment is then applied to each tooth.

  Finally, a dental sealant is applied to prevent the attachment of plaque to the enamel. If advanced periodontal disease is found, a treatment plan will be developed and discussed with you at the end of the day.

• Prevention

  A complimentary follow-up examination will be scheduled two weeks after the assessment and treatment appointment.

  At this visit, we will discuss implementing teeth brushing at home as well as other products available 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?

  Like their humans, our pets can develop periodontal disease and issues with their gums such as gingivitis as a side effect of poor oral health.

  Just like us, when our animal friends eat, plaque sticks to their teeth and can turn into tartar if not brushed away.

  This can lead to infections in their mouth, periodontal disease and even loose teeth. That’s why they need regular dental care to prevent pain or disease in their gums, and the need for treatment such as tooth extractions.

• How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?

  Fluffy’s or Fido’s behavior can indicate oral health problems. While some will drool excessively (this drool may contain blood or pus), others have bad breath.

  Gums may swell or teeth can become stained with plaque. Some pets experience pain that can keep them from eating. You can find more symptoms listed to the left under Annual Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams.

• What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?

  Aside from issues ranging from cavities to periodontal disease, serious oral health issues and conditions can lead to problems with the kidney, heart, liver and other areas in your pet's body.

  Tumors or cysts can develop, and in addition your pet may feel miserable and even not get to enjoy a long, healthy and happy life if he or she suffers from oral health conditions.

  This is why regular dental care is so critical to their health and wellbeing.

• What happens during a pet teeth cleaning appointment?

  During your pet’s regular oral exam, the vet will check his or her mouth and look for oral health conditions or any symptoms that need treatment, such as:

  • Signs of plaque or tartar
  • Odorous breath
  • Drooling excessively
  • Signs of pain or discomfort in the mouth
  • Unusual bleeding
  • Swelling on cheek or gum tissue
  • Stained, fractured or missing teeth
  • Inability to chew properly

  The vet will clean your cat’s or dog’s teeth, removing tartar. If gingivitis, cavities or other conditions need to be addressed, the vet will explain these to you and advise what should be done.

  In some cases, conditions will need to be treated with surgery. Your pet will be given anesthesia prior to their procedure to ensure they are comfortable and not in any pain. However, they’ll require special care following surgery.

  If any of these symptoms have developed, 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 regularly and provide dental chew toys that will help remove plaque.

  Do not allow them to chew on things that will damage their teeth, such as objects, toys or bones that are too hard. Always contact your vet with any questions or concerns about your pet’s oral health.