The "silent" pain of dental disease
Unlike humans, our pets can’t tell us when they have a toothache. The truth is, most oral disease occurs below the gum surface, completely hidden from view. This problem can start early; many small dogs have periodontal disease before the age of 18 months, and cats and large dogs often have it by the age of five! Untreated dental problems lead directly to pain, infection, bad breath, broken teeth and overall poor health.
Our primary goal is to find and treat this hidden pain, restoring your pet’s comfort.
Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT)
During a comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment (COHAT), your pet’s whole mouth will be assessed. Radiographs and photographs are taken of all of the teeth. Close attention is paid to each tooth. Gross tartar and calculus is removed using an ultrasonic scaler and gentle sub-gingival cleaning is performed. Careful probing around each tooth defines areas of gingival attachment loss. The doctor will call you to discuss the findings and treatment can be performed with your consent. Healthy teeth are polished using an air driven hand piece and powder.
A full spectrum of dental care
Our clinic provides a complete range of dental services, from routine procedures to intricate oral surgeries. This includes:
- Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT)
- Surgical extractions
- Removal of impacted teeth & dentigerous cysts
- Persistent deciduous tooth extractions
- Root canal therapy
- Vital pulp therapy
- Advanced periodontal surgery & guided tissue regeneration
- Restorations (fillings for enamel defects & cavities)
- Malocclusion (bite) treatment planning & orthodontics
- Mass excision and biopsies
- Jaw fracture repair
- Mandibulectomy & maxillectomy
- Cleft palate repair
Your pet's safety & comfort: our top priority
We are dedicated to keeping your pet safe, warm, and pain-free during their dental procedure.
Keeping Your Pet Comfortable
Your pet's comfort and safety during dentistry are our top priorities. Our caring team provides a pleasant experience, keeping them warm, pain-free, and meticulously monitored throughout the day. We aim to alleviate your stress with expert, compassionate care tailored to their needs.
Pre-Surgical Blood Work
Pre-surgical blood work is essential for optimizing anesthetic safety. This important screening helps identify hidden health issues, allowing us to tailor anesthesia and address any concerns before the procedure for maximum safety. Levels may be rechecked if needed.
IV Fluids
Intravenous (IV) fluids are a crucial safety measure for all pets under anesthesia. They help maintain stable blood pressure and adequate circulation to vital organs. Plus, IV access allows rapid drug administration if required during the procedure, enhancing safety.
Temperature Control
Maintaining normal body temperature is vital during anesthesia. We use an active warming blanket with circulating warm air to prevent your pet's temperature from dropping. This enhances the overall safety and comfort of their dental procedure.
Advanced Monitoring
A dedicated, highly trained Registered Veterinary Technician monitors your pet continuously during anesthesia. Using advanced equipment, they track vital signs like blood pressure, oxygen levels, heart rate and respiration to ensure the utmost safety throughout the procedure.
Dental Radiographs (X-Rays)
Intraoral radiographs (X-rays) are absolutely essential for diagnosing dental disease. Since most problems occur below the gumline, X-rays are the only way to visualize hidden issues like root damage or bone loss, ensuring accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Tooth Assessment & Cleaning
A thorough tooth-by-tooth assessment is performed under anesthesia. We remove tartar with an ultrasonic scaler, perform gentle sub-gingival cleaning, probe for gum attachment loss and polish healthy teeth, ensuring comprehensive and meticulous oral care.
The dentistry referral process explained
Veterinary referrals are a collaboration between your primary vet and specialists like Dr. Morris to ensure the best care for complex conditions. Your veterinarian first identifies the need for specialized expertise or equipment and recommends a referral. They then share your pet’s relevant medical history and diagnostics with the specialist. The specialist reviews this information, performs their own assessment, and develops a tailored treatment plan. Throughout this process, open communication is maintained between both veterinarians. After treatment, your pet returns to your primary vet for ongoing follow-up care, ensuring they receive the best possible medical attention.
For more information about the referral process, and to access the referral forms, please refer to our partner website at veterinarydentist.ca/referrals.