Breaking News

Dental Services

 

Dr Mulder specializes in pet dental procedures. We offer a full range of dental services including cleaning, extractions, treatments for gum disease, and of course doggy breath!

 

The anaesthetic and out-patient protocol is the same for our dental patients as with our surgery patients. They also receive IV fluids and an injection of antibiotics to help combat the bacteria in the mouth, which is released during cleaning. Cleaning includes scaling both above and below the gum line, polishing, and fluoride treatment. We chart your pet's teeth so we can note any problems and monitor those areas for the future. Should any tooth extractions be required, they are done by Dr. Mulder. He uses a local nerve block to freeze the area which means your pet will be pain free when they wake up. We also take dental radiographs (x-rays) before and after the extraction. This allows us to assess damaged teeth prior to removal and to be sure that no infected root tips remain under the gum's surface.

 

Dental Standards

Let's Talk Teeth

Do you remember the Fram oil filter commercials about a few years ago with the famous tag line of "Pay me Now or Pay me Later"? This is the dilemma that most of us face with pet dental care. We know what we should be doing to ensure the best health of our companion animals, but most of us ignore the problem until it is too late. Most of us get nervous with our own regular trips to the dentist - and that's with regular brushing, flossing and mouth rinses...

But what about your pet? Few of us regularly brush or even inspect the mouth area of our dogs or cats and fewer still check for tartar buildup until doggy breath or cat breath becomes an issue. But by then it can be too late! Did you know that lack of good dental care can severely affect your pet's health and even cause premature death?

 

Severe mouth infections can cause systemic bacterial infections that can result in blood clots, strokes and severe circulatory issues, and yes even death for pets.

 

Recognizing a critical need in this area, Fairview Drive Pet Hospital is now undertaking a more rigorous stance in favour of early dental health checks and recommendations for treatment where warranted.

 

Most vet practices do not make early determination of dental problems until they are extreme. Dental Health standards are graded on a scale of 1-4. Grade 3 is Late Periodontal Disease with cherry red and bleeding gums, bad breath and often results in tooth loss. This stage is irreversible and yet this is when you are most likely to get a recommendation from a Vet for treatment. Treatments at this point are expensive and not without risk to your pet.

 

At each visit to Fairview Drive Pet Hospital, we will undertake a brief examination of your pet's teeth. We will grade the degree of dental health according to the standard and recommend a Dental Care Plan according to the stage of disease. We will also make appropriate notes in our client files regarding the teeth and overall dental health. We will make sure that you, the client, is properly informed together with an explanation of any treatment required so you can make an appropriate decision on how to proceed.

Let's review the stages of Dental Health and the treatment options and risks to your pet. Please note that dogs must be current with their Heartworm Tests before the treatments can begin. This is a safety precaution to prevent complications.

 

 

It should be apparent that early treatment and prevention are preferable for your pet. So how should we go about good oral hygiene for our pets? The younger the pet, the sooner the owner should take an interest in touching, opening and inspecting the mouth in a gentle manner. This will allow better acceptance by your pet to routine brushing and inspections. While daily brushing with a suitable brush and toothpaste designed for your pet is preferable, weekly should be a minimum habit. You can look to oral hygiene solutions that are added to drinking water and slow or reverse the mild plaque build up. Feel free to discuss your needs in this area with us any time.

 

Diet can affect the dental build up and we recommend Dental formulations of food that provide a harder kibble and less mouth residue to cause bacterial growth. (Ask for a sample during your next routine visit here)

 

Especially for dogs, look to chew bones, chew toys or natural marrow bones. All stimulate the chewing action that promotes cleaner teeth, healthy gums and naturally keeps Fido happy.

 

Despite your best efforts in this area, some build up of plaque and tartar will result. Just as is does in your own mouth and yes the eventual visit to the dentist. But with our new dental standards, favouring early detection and treatment we will work to minimize dental problems and expense for your pet.

 

 

 

Right, now we can all smile.

January 29, 2009

Injured Puppy, Now Doing Great!

Find Out More Now

Our mission...

 

To provide medical excellence & friendly advice in an atmosphere of Godly compassion to enable you to make wise healthcare choices for your family pet.

 

E-mail Dr. Mulder Now