Pet Dental Exams

Pet dental exams are conducted similarly to human dental exams. However, unlike humans, your pet is unlikely to relax and sit still as the veterinarian performs dental care. Because of this, the pet dentist will use anesthesia for pet dental care. Not only does this make their job much easier but it also helps ensure your pet’s safety. It allows the pet dentist to clean and inspect teeth without having to worry about sudden movements that could create a precarious situation.

During the exam, the pet dentist will thoroughly inspect your pet’s teeth, gums, and other oral hygiene aspects. This comprehensive examination is designed to help check for any signs of disease, including but not limited to:

• Gum loss
• Root exposure
• Pockets around the root
• Cysts or tumors in the mouth
• Periodontal disease
• Fractured or broken teeth
• Fractured jaw
• Palate defects
• Malocclusion (poor tooth alignment)

Any of these issues could be harmful to your pet’s oral health. Pet dentists may also take dental X-rays (available at our Westwood location) to get a closer look at the roots of the teeth and the underlying bone. If anything is found, or if the pet dentist believes something should be addressed, they will talk to you about their concerns, discuss your options, and answer your questions.

Because Westwood Regional Veterinary Hospital and Pompton Lakes Animal Hospital take the time to perform in-depth checkups, pet owners can trust that any indications of a problem will be recognized and addressed. From there, you can expect our team to formulate a plan of action to treat the problem.