Dental Care for Pets

Dental Care

WHY is dentistry for pets so important?

  • Pain
  • Bacteria in the mouth can contribute to serious problems in other organs, like heart and kidney disease
  • Bad Breath 

WHAT do we do?

  • Digital x-rays and evaluation
  • Charting of teeth
  • Address cavities
  • Extractions
  • Nerve blocks to reduce pain after procedures
  • Extract/treat feline absorptive lesions
  • Treatment of dental abscesses
  • Aftercare and rechecks

WHY does my pet need anesthesia?

  • It would be dangerous if not impossible to work inside a pet’s mouth while they were awake. Please see our Surgical FAQ
Before dental cleaning
After dental cleaning

We love to see the transformative effect a dental cleaning can have with a senior pet!

This digital dental x-ray is an example of a feline resorptive lesion. The tooth on the bottom right has basically disintegrated, leaving the nerve exposed. This is a common and painful problem in cats. They continue to eat and act normal, so a dental exam is the only way to tell if your cat is suffering from these lesions.

More information about feline resorptive lesions.

This digital dental x-ray helped to evaluate a growth in the mouth shown by the blue arrow.

Here are some things YOU can do at home for dental health:

VOHC Recommended Dental Treats

by Dr. Lisa Karnitz

There are so many dental treats, chews, and other products on the market that it can be overwhelming. We are frequently asked: “What dental products are best for my best?” Fortunately, Oakview is here to help.

The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), which was organized in the 1990’s, is an organization within the American Veterinary Dental College that evaluates the efficacy of dental products. If the product trials meet pre-set standards of plaque and calculus (tartar) control in dogs and cats, then their seal of acceptance is awarded to the product. The council does not test each product themselves, but reviews trials that have been conducted. 

Please be aware that any oral product has the potential to occasionally cause intestinal upset or even injury, especially if they are not the appropriate product for your pet. It is always recommended to directly supervise your pet while enjoying any chewable treat.

Below is an abbreviated list of products endorsed by the VOHC. You can find a compete list at www.vohc.org.

Dogs:

  • Hill’s Prescription Diet t/d
  • Hill’s Prescription Diet Dental Care Chews
  • Science Diet Oral Care
  • Greenies Treats
  • Milk Bone Brushing Chews
  • Purina ProPlan Dental Chewz
  • Tartar Shield Soft Rawhide Chews

Cats:

  • Hill’s Prescription Diet t/d
  • Science Diet Oral Care
  • Greenies Treats 

Dental Care For Pets Near You

Visit Oakview Veterinary Medical Center, the recommended pet dental clinic, for pet dentistry services in Plover, Wisconsin. Fill out our contact form or give our hospital a call at 717-344-6311 to schedule an appointment.