Veterinary Dentistry & Dental Surgery
The veterinarians at Park Animal Hospital provide preventative and restorative pet dental care and surgical service for dogs and cats in the Simi Valley area.
Comprehensive Dog & Cat Dental Care
Routine pet dental care is essential to dogs' and cats' oral and overall health. But most pets don't actually receive the routine oral hygiene they need to keep their gums and teeth healthy.
At Park Animal Hospital, our veterinary team provides comprehensive dental care for you and your pet, from basics like dental exams and cleanings to surgeries and x-rays.
We also are committed to providing dental health education for pet owners about home dental care for their pets.
Pet Dental Surgery in Simi Valley
We know that finding out your pet needs dental surgery can be an overwhelming experience. However, we work to make this process as stress free as possible for you and your pet.
We will take every measure to make sure that your pet's experience with us is easy and comfortable. We will break down each step with you in detail before the procedure, including preparation and healthcare requirements for your pet after their procedure.
We offer jaw fracture repair surgeries, tooth extractions, and gum disease treatment for dogs and cats.
Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams
Much like your annual checkup at the dentist, your dog or cat should come in for a dental examination at least once a year. Pets who are more prone to dental problems than others may need to see us more often.
Park Animal Hospital can assess, diagnose and treat dental health problems in cats and dogs.
- Symptoms
If you notice any of the following symptoms in your pet, it's time for a dental checkup.
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Tartar buildup
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Bad breath
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
- Assessment
A thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment will be completed for your pet before the dental exam.
We will take blood and urine analyses to ensure it's safe for your pet to undergo anesthesia. Additional diagnostics, such as chest radiographs or an ECG may also be conducted.
Once your pet is under anesthesia, we will conduct a complete oral examination (tooth by tooth) and charting.
- Treatment
Next we will clean your pet's teeth and polish them, both above and below the gum line, as well as take x-rays. A fluoride treatment is then applied to each and every tooth.
The last step is the application of a dental sealant designed to prevent plaque buildup on your pet's teeth. If advanced periodontal disease is found, our vets will develop a treatment plan and discuss it with you.
- Prevention
Ideally, a follow-up examination will be scheduled two weeks after the initial assessment and treatment appointment.
During this visit, we will discuss implementing teeth brushing at home. We can also recommend products that can help improve your pet's oral health.
FAQs About Pet Dental Care
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from our patients about pet dental care.
- Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
Our pets can develop periodontal disease or tooth decay as a consequence of poor oral health.
Just like in humans, when animals eat, plaque sticks to their teeth and can build up into tartar if not brushed away regularly.
This can lead to infections in the mouth, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and even loose or missing teeth. That's why regular dental care is essential to preventing pain or disease in the gums.
- How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
Did you know behavior may be an indication of oral health problems? If your pet is experiencing dental problems, they drool excessively (and the drool may contain pus or blood), or you may notice them pawing at their mouth or teeth. They may also yawn excessively, grind their teeth, or stop grooming sufficiently.
Other signs of oral health problems include bad breath, swollen gums, and tooth discoloration. Some pets may even suffer from pain that keeps them from eating. Read more about symptoms to the left under Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams.
- What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
Beyond causing a variety of oral health problems like bad breath or tooth decay, oral health issues and conditions can also cause a wide range of diseases throughout your pets body. These can include heart, kidney and liver diseases.
Your pet may develop cysts or tumors and may feel generally unwell or unenergetic. As well, disease stemming from oral health issues can shorten your pet's lifespan and cause them significant pain over time.
This is why regular dental care is so essential to animals' physical health and wellbeing.
- What happens during a pet teeth cleaning appointment?
During your pet’s regular oral exam, the vet will examine his or her mouth and look for oral health conditions or any symptoms needing treatment.
The vet will clean tartar and other debris from your cat's or dog's teeth. If cavities, gingivitis, or other conditions need to be addressed, the vet will explain these to you and provide advice on which actions you should take.
In some cases, surgery will be needed to treat serious conditions. Your pet will be provided with anesthesia before their dental procedure to ensure they are comfortable and do not experience any pain. However, special care will be needed post-surgery.
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a dental appointment with us.
- What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
At home, you should brush your pet's teeth on a regular basis and give them dental chew toys. These will help eliminate plaque.
Do not allow them to chew on things that will damage their teeth, such as bones, toys or objects that are too hard. Always contact your vet with any questions or concerns regarding your pet's oral health.
Veterinary Dentistry: Anesthesia & Your Pet's Oral Health
Cats and dogs do not understand what is going on during dental procedures, and will often react to dental procedures by struggling or biting.
Similar to the anesthesia provided to nervous or anxious patients by dentists, our Simi Valley vets provide anesthesia to all of our patients before performing dental procedures. This puts less stress on the animals and allows us to x-ray their mouth as needed.