Dental health is a very important part of your pet’s overall health. Dental problems can cause or be caused by other health problems. Periodontal disease can be painful, and some pets may become irritable or aggressive after dental problems arise. At Oasis Small Animal and Exotics Veterinary Hospital, we recommend that your pet have a thorough physical exam, including a complete oral exam at least once a year by your veterinarian to detect early signs of disease.
Have your pet’s teeth checked ASAP if you observe any of the following:
- Bad breath
- Broken or loose teeth
- Drooling
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar
- Abnormal chewing or dropping food from the mouth
- Reduced appetite
- Pain in or around the mouth
- Excessively rubbing/scratching at the face
- Bleeding from or around the mouth
- Swelling in the areas surrounding the mouth, including under the eyes
Our team at Oasis Veterinary Hospital will evaluate your pet’s overall well-being, including oral health, and provide you with the best treatment plan. We also provide specialized dental care for rabbits, guinea pigs, and other exotic pets whose continuously growing teeth require unique attention.
Deciphering the Dental Estimate
“Why aren’t you able to provide me with an exact cost for my pet’s dental procedure?”
It’s a common question! For humans, dental cleaning and x-rays are performed when we are awake, so a plan can be made prior to performing any major dental procedures. Unfortunately, pets do not allow us to perform cleaning or dental x-rays until they are anesthetized. Therefore, we are only seeing the tip of the tooth prior to anesthesia. Many times, dental disease is present below the gumline, even when the tooth appears healthy on the surface.
After your pet’s exam, you will receive an estimate consisting of 2 parts. The first page will be an estimate for the portion of your pet’s dental procedure that we can accurately predict. This includes the pre-anesthesia workup, anesthesia, anesthesia monitoring, complete dental cleaning, polishing, and dental x-rays. Antibiotics and additional pain medication will also be listed on the high end of your estimate in case these are necessary after the dental procedure.
The second page will be a pricing sheet for possible extractions that we may discover after we perform your pet’s complete cleaning and dental X-rays.
Preventative Dental Care
We recommend annual dental exams for all pets in addition to professional dental procedures, as your veterinarian recommends. Regular brushing with pet-friendly toothpaste, providing dental chews and toys, and incorporating dental diets into your pet’s nutrition plan can also help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. If you’re unsure how to get started brushing your pet’s teeth at home, we’re here to help. Ask us for a demo on your next visit!
If you have any questions about our dental services or would like to schedule an appointment, call us today at (804) 348-8808.