Broken teeth and inflamed gums can affect your pet’s ability to eat and drink, which is one reason they need regular dental checkups. By examining your furry friend’s mouth, a veterinarian can also identify issues that could point to other health problems. To ensure your pet’s oral health is at its best, below is important information about dental checkups and why they’re important.   

What to Expect During a Pet Dental Exam

Pet dental checkups are similar to human exams. A veterinarian or board-certified veterinary dentist will take blood tests. Analyzing the results provides a better idea of your pet’s overall health and whether they can receive anesthesia for dental procedures. Animals are given an anesthetic to avoid pain and discomfort and ensure they remain still during the exam.

Veterinarians also take X-rays to evaluate the condition of the jaw bone and roots, which they can’t see during a visual inspection. They examine the X-rays for signs of periodontal disease, infection, breaks and cracks, and abscesses. The vet will perform dental scaling, which removes plaque and tartar that eats away at gums and enamel and polishing to restore the smooth appearance of teeth—making it difficult for the harmful residue to stick to the crown.   

Why Your Pet Needs Regular Dental Checkups

Scheduling regular dental checkups will improve your pet’s quality of life. Veterinarians remove bacteria before it can enter the bloodstream and damage kidneys and other organs. They fill cavities to prevent bacteria from corroding the inner structure of teeth and perform extractions to prevent dead teeth from affecting the entire mouth. The veterinarian will recommend strategies to take better care of your pet’s teeth at home as well. 

If your animal needs a dental checkup, reach out to Fairport Animal Hospital in Fairport, NY. The veterinarians at this local pet clinic provide dental exams, surgical services, and general medical checkups. They also use state-of-the-art equipment to perform diagnostic testing to improve the health of small, avian, and exotic animals. To schedule a dental appointment, call (585) 388-1070. Visit the animal hospital online for a list of services.