Animal Hospital of Woodstock

11711 Catalpa Lane - Woodstock, Illinois 60098     

815-337-2900  * 815-337-7173 - Fax

Dentistry

 

 

 

Dental care for your pet is a very important part of overall health.  One of the most common diseases seen today in pets (and people) is gingivitis!  Not only does dental disease lead to gingivitis, tooth decay, and pain but research has shown links to causing disease of the heart, liver, kidney and other parts of the body. 

 

Home dental care including brushing of the teeth is very important.  Starting to brush your pet’s teeth while they are young will allow them to tolerate it later in life.  While daily is ideal, 2-3 times a week is beneficial.  Dental diets, mouth rinses and chews are also available to help maintain good oral health.

 

These measures however are preventative in nature.  If your pet already has signs of dental disease such as tartar build up or bad breath, treatment is necessary. 

 

 

 

 

We offer comprehensive dental care, including:

 

 

  • Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (Periodontal Therapy)

Under general anesthesia your pet’s teeth are cleaned with an ultrasonic scaler on the crown of the tooth and under the gums.  They are then polished and fluoride treatment is applied.  Each individual tooth is also evaluated to check for pockets, attachment loss,

fracture, or other disease.

 

 

Problem teeth are x-rayed for evaluation of the root structure and bone surrounding the tooth.  Necessary treatment for the tooth is then completed and may include extraction, endodontic therapy, or monitoring with x-rays at a later date.  With our high-speed drill we have capabilities to perform advanced surgical extractions.

 

 

We are able to perform root canals and advanced therapies to some fractured teeth where the integrity of the root is still intact.

 

Common Dental Problems:

 

 

These must be extracted as they can cause crowding and damage to adult teeth.  They can also cause problems to the bite and pain if contacting the roof of the mouth or other tissues.

 

 

Fractured teeth are common from trauma.  When broken, the pulp of the tooth and nerve is exposed and can create a great deal of pain.  This also creates a route for infection to enter the body, and can create severe problems to the bone surrounding the tooth and entire body.

 

 

Abscess or infection around teeth is common in advanced periodontal disease.  Often times lumps or swollen areas are noted on the muzzle or jaw.  Extraction is generally necessary.

 

Process to get your pet’s teeth cleaned and evaluated:

 

Most procedures are done on an outpatient basis.  Pre-operative blood tests may be necessary.  After scheduling an appointment, be sure to remove food and water from your pet by midnight the night before the appointment.  Drop off at the hospital is done between 8:00 – 8:30 am.  You will be called as soon as your pet is done to schedule a pick up time, usually between 4:30 – 5:30 pm the same evening.  Depending on procedures performed, antibiotics and pain medication may be prescribed.

 

 

At discharge the technician and doctor will discuss with you your pet’s oral health, and any follow up care required.  If x-rays were taken, they will be shown to you and the findings discussed.  Re-check appointments, especially after extractions, are often needed to help follow the healing process of your pet.

 

 

How Much Does it Cost?

 

Cost varies based on what dental procedures are necessary for your pet.  Base estimates are provided but often times detailed estimates are not possible until we can fully evaluate the teeth when the pet is under anesthesia.  The length of the procedure, x-rays, and extractions will all change the base estimate for a routine cleaning.  This is why we suggest cleanings during the early stages of dental disease!  On admission you will be asked to fill out a form telling us your wishes with your pet’s dental care and owners are requested to leave a telephone number to contact them as necessary.

 

If you have questions about your pet’s dental procedure please call our office or schedule a consultation. 

 

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