Veterinary Dentistry & Dental Surgery
Our veterinarians at Johns Creek Veterinary Clinic provide the highest level of dental and oral health care for pets in Johns Creek, Roswell, Milton, Cumming, Gwinnett and surround area.
Complete Dental Care for Cats & Dogs
As with people, routine dental care is a critical component of your pet's oral and overall health, but most of our pets don't get the oral hygiene care they need to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
At our Johns Creek veterinary hospital, we provide complete dental care for your pet, from basic dental exams, teeth cleanings and polishing, to dental x-rays and surgeries.
Our vets are passionate about educating pet parents about the importance of dental health for their animals and teaching our clients how to care for their pet's teeth at home.
Pet Dental Surgery in Johns Creek
Finding out that your pet needs dental surgery can be overwhelming. At Johns Creek Veterinary Clinic we strive to make this process as stress-free as possible, for you and for your pet.
Our team will do everything we can to ensure that your pet's experience with us is relaxed and comfortable. Before your pet's procedure, we'll explain each step of the process including preparation and post-operative care requirements.
Cleanings & Examinations
Annual dental cleanings are recommended for keeping your pet's teeth and gums healthy. Dogs and cats who are more prone to dental problems than others may need to see us more often.
Our vets at Johns Creek Veterinary Clinic can assess, diagnose and treat dental health problems in cats and dogs.
- Symptoms
If you spot any of the following symptoms in your pet, it's time for a veterinary dental checkup.
- Discolored teeth
- Tartar buildup
- Loose, broken and/or damaged teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Chronic bad breath
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Abnormal chewing, drooling or dropping food from the mouth
- Assessment
A thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment will be done for your pet before the dental exam.
Our team will perform blood work and urine analyses to ensure it's safe for your pet to undergo the anesthesia required for dental procedures. Additional diagnostics, such as chest radiographs may also be conducted.
Once your pet is under anesthesia, we will conduct a complete oral examination (tooth by tooth), charting, and full mouth digital dental x-rays much like when people visit the dentist for a checkup.
- Treatment
Next, your pet's 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 your pet is found to have advanced periodontal disease the veterinarian will develop a treatment plan and discuss it with you.
- Prevention
For our oral surgery patients, a follow-up examination will be scheduled two weeks after the initial assessment and treatment appointment.
During routine office visits, we will discuss implementing teeth brushing at home. We may also recommend products that can help improve your pet's oral health.
FAQs About Dental Care for Pets
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from our clients regarding 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 people.
When animals eat, plaque sticks to their teeth and can build up and become tartar if not brushed away regularly.
This can lead to infections of the mouth, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and even loose or missing teeth. That's why regular dental care is essential to preventing pain and disease in the gums.
- How can I tell if my pet has dental health issues?
Behavior can be a good indication of oral health problems. If your pet is experiencing dental issues they may 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 properly.
Further signs of oral health problems include chronic bad breath, swollen gums, and tooth discoloration. Some pets may even suffer from pain that prevents them from eating. Read more about symptoms to the left under Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams.
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a dental appointment with us.
- What long-term problems could result from poor oral health?
Besides causing issues ranging from cavities and bad breath to severe periodontal disease, oral health issues and conditions can result in liver, kidney, and heart diseases as well as other conditions throughout your pet's body.
Cysts or tumors may develop. In addition, diseases related to oral health conditions can shorten the lifespan of your pet and cause significant pain.
This is why regular dental care is essential to your pet's physical health and wellbeing.
- What will happen during my pet's teeth cleaning appointment?
During a regular veterinary oral exam, the vet will examine your pet's mouth and look for oral health conditions or any symptoms needing treatment.
During a teeth-cleaning appointment, we will clean tartar and other debris from your pet's teeth. If cavities, gingivitis or other conditions need to be addressed, the vet will explain these to you and provide recommendations on which actions you should take.
Surgery may be necessary to treat serious conditions. Your pet will be provided anesthesia before their dental procedure to ensure they are comfortable and do not experience any pain. However, special care will be needed post-surgery.
- What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
Brush your pet's teeth on a regular basis and give them dental chew toys. These will help eliminate plaque. Your vet will be happy to show you how to clean your animal's teeth.
Do not allow your pet 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 Anesthesia & Your Pet's Oral Health
Cats and dogs simply do not understand what is going on during dental procedures, for that reason they will often react to dental procedures by struggling or biting. At Johns Creek Veterinary Clinic our vets provide anesthesia to all of our patients before performing dental procedures. This puts less stress on the animals and allows our team to x-ray your pet's mouth as needed.