You and your pet are part of our family

Phone:(281) 353-5700
Fax: (281) 288-9430
Email: FriskyBusiness@vetmedicalcenter.com

Listed below are the most frequently asked questions we receive at VMC.  We hope these will provide you with a better understanding.

Q:  Why is proper dental care so important?

A:  Many studies have shown that poor dental health has been linked to kidney, liver, heart and many other infectious and inflammatory diseases of dogs and cats. 

Q:  I’ve heard the term "gingivitis". What is it?

A:  Gingivitis is inflammation and/or infection of the gums.  You will notice gingivitis as a swollen, pink/red area of the gums at the base of the tooth.

Q:  What is "periodontitis" and how is it different?

A: Periodontal disease starts as gingivitis (inflammation/infection of the gums) but then, if left untreated, results in periodontitis (loss of supporting structures of the tooth). Periodontal disease is the most common reason for pets to lose teeth.  It is caused by a bacterial infection in the gum tissue around the tooth which forms pockets.  The infection grows in these pockets and weakens the tooth, surrounding gum tissue, bone and ligament that hold the tooth in place.  Our treatment plan is to try and eliminate these pockets. Gingivitis is reversible, periodontitis is not. 

Q:  I cannot see any problems when I look in my pets mouth.

A: Many dental problems are not visible to the eye.  At VMC we have a digital x-ray to help us see below the gum line at the roots and jaw bone.  Dental radiographs (x-rays) are required to guide us with treatment decisions.

Q:  My pet has a broken tooth.  What do I do?

A:  Dogs and cats frequently fracture their teeth.  In many cases the pulp (nerve) is exposed and can lead to infection or death of the tooth.  You can see the pulp as a small pink spot in the fractured area. If the pulp is exposed, then a root canal or surgical extraction of the tooth is needed. 

Q:  How is the treatment different for a fractured tooth?

A:  Dental fractures are often painful and treatment varies depending on the fracture type encountered.  All fractured teeth should be assessed with dental radiographs.  If the fracture does not expose the pulp and a dental x-ray does not reveal any root infection, then a process called bonded sealing can be performed.  Infected teeth can be treated with root canal therapy or extracted.

Q:  My pet has one tooth darker than the rest.  Why?

A:  Discolored teeth can occur from a number of causes including developmental problems, drugs, trauma, infection or excessive wear.  Usually discolored teeth are dead and require treatment.  The most common cause for discoloring is trauma.  The stain is caused by blood or blood products.  The color can range from pink, purple and eventually a brownish/gray color.

Q:  All my pet's teeth are dark; is this normal? 

A: This type of discoloration can be from developmental problems with the enamel on the teeth.  These teeth have thin, soft enamel and are sensitive and weak.  These teeth may require sealants or restoration treatment.

Q:  What is bonded sealants?

A: We apply a bonded sealant to the fractured tooth to help prevent infection, decrease pain, and speed up the healing process.  All teeth treated with sealants should be x-rayed in 6-12 months to ensure no pathology associated with death of the tooth or infection is developing.

Q:  What is a typical cleaning?

A:  During a wellness examination you may be informed that your pet needs to have its teeth cleaned due to tarter build-up, red gums, bad breath, etc.  Unfortunately, there are no "typical" pet cleanings as most of the pets have individual needs. Many of the dental procedures are beyond cleaning, but actually periodontal therapy.

Q:  What should I expect before a dental cleaning is done on my pet?

A:  An oral exam was performed as part of your wellness visit.  An appointment will be made for your dental procedure.  Approximately 6-8 weeks prior to your procedure a small sample of blood will need to be taken for pre-anesthetic lab work.

Q:  What should I expect during the dental procedure?

A: An oral exam is given by the doctor and each individual tooth is examined and probed in six different spots to assess any periodontal pockets.  Any abnormalities are noted on the dental chart.  Full-mouth x-rays are taken and the owner is called with the findings.  Your treatment plan will be explained and an approximate cost given.  The teeth are thoroughly cleaned above and below the gum line, rinsed, polished and treated with fluoride. 

Q:  If more treatment is needed can it be done at the same time?

A:  In most cases, any further treatment can be performed at the same time.  If it is determined that extensive treatment is necessary, your pet may need to come back and oral surgery be done in "stages." 

Q:  Is the treatment expensive?

A:  We are happy to explain your specific treatment plan and the approximate cost to you. Please keep in mind that we provide a range of costs to you because we are unaware of any underlying problems that cannot be seen just with an oral exam. 

Q:  I compared the cost at another clinic.  Why is yours different?

A:  At VMC we strive to provide the most current technology and best care for your pet.  When comparing prices please consider the following:

• At VMC all patients under anesthesia will be given an IV catherer and receive IV fluids.  IV fluids greatly improve the safety of anesthesia by helping to maintain blood pressure, kidney function and prevent post-operative dehydration.  An IV catheter also provides us a quick and direct access should an emergency occur.

    2.    Do they monitor the pet while under anesthesia?

• Monitoring equipment for continuous oxygen and carbon dioxide readings, pulse, body temperature, ECG, and blood pressure is placed on the patient. Detailed records are maintained on how the patient is doing and any adjustments are made.

     3.    How do they maintain the proper body temperature?

• A warming blanket is placed under the patient and warm towels are placed on top to maintain body temperature.

     4.    What do they do for pain?

• At VMC we strongly believe in pain management.  Your pet will receive pain medications before, during and after the procedure.  Nerve blocks will be administered as needed.

     5.    Do they take x-rays?

• Many dental problems are not visible to the eye and we have a digital x-ray to help us see below the gum line at the roots and jaw bone.  Dental radiographs (x-rays) are required to guide us with treatment decisions. We will show you the images taken and answer any questions when you pick up your pet.

Q:  Once my pet comes home, what type of dental treatment can I do?

A: At discharge, you will receive written instructions and a demonstration regarding your home care treatment plan.  An OraVet Barrier Sealant was the last step in your pet's professional dental cleaning.  OraVet creates an invisible barrier that prevents plaque- and tartar-forming bacteria from attaching to the teeth.  Beginning two weeks after your pet’s cleaning, you apply OraVet Plaque Prevention Gel once a week at home to maintain the barrier your veterinarian established.  It takes less than 60 seconds to do!

Q:  Are there other things I can do at home?

A: Home dental care for your dog is anything you do at home to prevent plaque and tarter build-up.  The more you do at home the less needs to be done by a veterinarian.  Some ideas are:

• BRUSHING

Brushing your dog's teeth is the most effective preventative care.  The best way to achieve this is with patience.  The best way to start is to brush the outsides of the teeth next to the cheek and progress around the mouth.  We recommend CET toothpastes for pets which are safe and come in many flavors. Avoid human toothpastes because the contain abrasives and ingredients that can be irritating if swallowed. 

• ORAL RINSE

A chlorhexidine oral rinse is an antibacterial liquid which provides benefits that can last several hours. The rinse is applied by squirting a small amount inside the cheek on each side of the mouth.  The chlorhexidine adheres to the oral tissue, tooth surfaces and gradually releases throughout the mouth.

• CHEW PRODUCTS

Anything that helps increase chewing can be beneficial.  Surprisingly, feeding exclusively dry food is of little benefit.  Many diets contain a fibrous "mesh" that helps scrub the teeth while your pet chews.  Tarter-chew biscuits are of benefit and contain the same ingredients.  "Milk Bone" biscuits are of little benefit.

WE DO NOT recommend cow hooves, pig ears, natural bones, or Nylabones.  These are hard on the teeth and are frequently associated with broken teeth.  All chew toys require you monitor your pet as pieces can break off causing a choking hazard.  NEVER LEAVE A PET UNATTENDED while they are enjoying any chew toy.

Q:  Do cats have dental problems?

A:  Cats have most of the same dental problems as dogs, but they do have a few dental conditions that are unique.  One of those is Feline Odontoclastic Respsortive Lesions (FORLs).  FORLS have many names including Feline Cavities and Neck Lesions.  Most cats over the age of five have one or more of these painful cavities.  When we perform an oral exam on your cat, we keep these specific diseases in mind.

Q:  What is the most common dental problem in cats?

A:  The canine teeth (fangs) of cats are the most common to having very small fractures on the tip of the teeth.  These fractures will usually have exposed areas leading to infection and possible death of the tooth.  Many times the tooth breaks leaving a painful retained root in the jaw. 

**Please ask our staff about the new dental vaccine.