Dental disease is a sneaky thing in pets. It can begin early in life, earlier than owners would think, and it can be quite common. Statistics indicate that most dogs and cats have at least some dental disease by the age of 3.
And sometimes, despite an owner’s best efforts to keep up with healthy oral care at home and with their veterinarian, extractions become necessary.
It might be surprising to learn that a study by the American Animal Hospital Association found that X-rays of teeth from dogs and cats that appear to the naked eye to have healthy teeth and gums actually revealed diseased teeth in more than a-quarter of the dogs examined and about 40% of the cats examined. Examinations of dogs and cats with abnormal-looking teeth found additional diseased teeth.
That study alone illustrates how easy it is to mistake healthy teeth and gums for those that may need additional attention.
At Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit, we perform hundreds of affordable and convenient dental surgeries every month, so we know exactly what to look for and exactly how to handle any necessary procedures. We are committed to the health and wellness of your pet, which is why we offer economical options for teeth extractions. .
Put simply, we believe proper health and dental care for a cat or dog does not need to cost a small fortune.
When it comes time to consider or even schedule a low cost tooth extraction, there are a few things owners should know.
- Anesthesia will be necessary. It makes the procedure both safe and comfortable for the veterinarian performing the procedure and the animal involved with it.
- Removing plaque below the gumline is essential. Proper dental care for canines or cats involves the removal of plaque from below the gumline — beyond what is just on the exposed tooth. Once plaque gets under the gumline, it can lead to infections that can damage the heart, kidneys and lungs.
- Proper dental care, including teeth extractions when necessary, prevents additional health problems that could arise due to diseased teeth and gums. Infections that start in diseased teeth and gums can spread to an animal’s vital organs.
- Dental disease is painful. Inflamed, irritated and infected gums can cause dogs and cats to avoid eating or drinking and become irritable and lethargic. Look for these signs in your dog or cat as clues that dental disease may be present.
The best ways to prevent dental disease, or reverse it if it has set in, is to practice healthy oral hygiene habits at home — by routinely brushing your dog or cat’s teeth — and maintaining a regular schedule of oral examinations with your pet’s regular care veterinarian. At Dr. Kelly’s, our dental cleanings allow us to detect any changes that may alert concern or signal a bigger problem.
Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit is a trusted veterinary team serving the Phoenix, Peoria and Tucson metro areas, with accessible locations in each market, offering highly specialized surgery, quality spay and neuter procedures, and accessible dental care for pets. Contact us to learn more about our specialized services and our accessible appointments.
