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 Eau Gallie Veterinary 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 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.

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 Eau Gallie Veterinary 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. The entire mouth is x-rayed to evaluate the roots of each tooth and ensure there is no disease under the gum line that we cannot see. 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 and 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.