Pet dental services cover everything from cleanings to tooth extractions. Despite February being National Pet Dental Health Month, some pet owners still do not realize that pets need dental health services too.
If you missed American Veterinary Medical Association ads promoting dental health month, dog dental and cat dental services are available nationwide. The cost seems high, but prevention saves you plenty of money in the long run. Left untreated, tooth decay leads to heart, kidney and liver disease. Learn more about the services most veterinarians offer.
Most Common Pet Dental Services
Veterinarians handle six basic dental services for both cats and dogs. They include:
- Endodontics
- Exodontics
- Oral surgeries
- Orthodontics
- Periodontics
- Prosthodontics
Endodontics involves root canals on teeth with bad cavities. The process involves drilling into the tooth's root, removing any pus and then filling it with a metal or resin filling.
Exodontics covers removal or rotting teeth. Under anesthesia the dog or cat's bad tooth is pulled or extracted from the gum and jaw bone.
Oral surgery covers tumor removal or repair of bone fractures or breaks.
Orthodontics is a growing pet dental practice. Braces help correct the bite in a dog or cat's mouth.
Periodontics includes teeth cleanings and scaling of plaque. If you make sure your pet receives yearly cleanings, you keep gum disease and cavities away.
Prosthodontics is used when a dog or cat needs a crown or filling.