West Des Moines Pet Dental Care

Imagine never brushing your teeth. How would your teeth look? How would your mouth feel? Studies show that 50% of all dogs and cats have some form of periodontal disease. That number jumps to 75% when you look at pets over age three. Left untreated, periodontal disease can cause infection, pain and tooth loss over time. It can also lead to microscopic changes in the heart, liver and kidneys and can cause serious health problems for your pet.

At Animal Care Clinic West & Metro Cat Hospital, we are committed to our patients' dental health and implement the highest quality dental care. We take a comprehensive approach to dental care including dental health assessment, treatment and prevention.

We have state of the art dental equipment including digital x-rays to help diagnose disease that is below the gum tissue and therefore not always visible to the eye. We recommend an annual dental healthcare examination for all pets–make an appointment or call us.

Oral Health Care

Many health problems start in the mouth. Plaque, tartar, periodontal disease, and infected teeth serve as a source of inflammation and infection for the rest of the body. Dental disease is also a source of pain. There are many ways that dog and cat owners can help their veterinarian provide a healthy mouth for their pet. Our dental services at Animal Care Clinic West & Metro Cat Hospital include teeth cleaning and polishing, tooth extractions and minor oral surgery.

Regular professional cleaning is important to maintaining your pet's health at any age. Dental cleanings must be performed under general anesthesia in order to properly and safely examine and clean the teeth. We use modern and safe ultrasonic equipment; each tooth is thoroughly cleaned above and below the gum line. Dental technicians polish the teeth to create a smooth, lustrous surface more resistant to plaque buildup.

After the teeth are cleaned and polished, your veterinarian will perform a thorough oral exam and check each tooth for any signs of dental disease (gum loss, root exposure, pockets around the root). Extensive dental disease requires the tooth to be removed (extracted). Many teeth require oral surgery to safely remove each individual root. We have extensive training and experience to perform these procedures properly. Oral nerve blocks are performed and additional injectable pain medications are administered if teeth are extracted. Your pet will also be sent home with oral pain medication. Pets recover quickly following these procedures, and, once the gums have completely healed, they resume eating their regular dry kibble even when multiple teeth are extracted.

Dental Disease Prevention

Your pet's dental health is an important part of his overall health. Dental disease is the most common disease in dogs and cats in the United States. Dental health problems can lead to more serious conditions such as infections and heart or kidney disease. Many pets with untreated dental disease suffer from chronic pain and premature aging (often acting older than they should). Some symptoms which can indicate serious dental problems include bad breath, plaque build-up, gum irritation and redness, loose teeth, tooth discoloration and swelling in the jaw area.

The American Animal Hospital Association recommends annual oral examinations after the pet is a year old. Dental cleanings for adult dogs are performed under general anesthesia. In addition to regular exams and cleanings, there are some things you can and should do to help promote good dental health in your pet. Feeding your pet a hard, kibble-type pet food, providing appropriate chew toys and brushing his teeth are just a few ways to keep your pet's teeth healthy in between professional cleanings.

Dental disease can be easily prevented by visiting your veterinarian regularly for dental examinations and cleanings.

AAHA Recommendations

The American Animal Hospital Association recommends regular oral examinations and dental cleanings, under general anesthesia, for all adult dogs and cats. A veterinarian should evaluate your pet’s dental health at least once a year. This is recommended because bacteria and food debris accumulates around a pet’s teeth and, if left unchecked, will lead to deterioration of the soft tissue and bone surrounding the teeth. This decay results in irreversible periodontal disease and even tooth loss. We can recommend and demonstrate preventative measures you can begin at home. Our wellness program emphasizes and explains how you can avoid costly dental procedures with your pet in the future.