Pet Dental Care in Eldersburg

Did you know that more than 50% of all dogs and cats in the U.S. have some form of gum disease by just 3 years of age, according to the American Veterinary Dental College? Left untreated, gum disease can leave your companion in a great deal of pain and even affect the heart, liver, and kidneys. The good news is that gum disease can be prevented with regular professional veterinary care and at-home care.

Summit Animal Hospital in Eldersburg, MD recommends that your pet receive a comprehensive wellness exam at least once a year so we can assess the status of your pet’s teeth and gums. If we detect any tartar buildup or other abnormal conditions, we may recommend a pet dental cleaning. In addition to treating and preventing gum disease, our goal is minimize your pet’s stress levels with our handling techniques and dental equipment.

About Our Pet Dental Services

Our doctor is very skilled in the area of pet dentistry and surgery and will treat your pet with the gentleness and compassion they deserve. We maintain a full dental suite in our facility, where we perform everything from standard cleanings to surgical extractions. For your pet’s safety, we perform all dental procedures under general anesthesia and rely on state-of-the-art monitoring equipment, including EKG, to monitor your pet’s vitals before, during, and after their procedure.

What to Expect During Your Pet’s Dental Cleaning

Prior to your pet’s dental procedure, we perform a standard exam and pre-anesthetic blood work. This allows us to ensure that your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia and for a surgical procedure. We recommend that your pet fast at least 12 hours before their scheduled surgery time, as nausea is a common side effect of anesthesia.

The dental cleaning process involves ultrasonic scaling to remove tartar deposits and smooth the area below the gum line. We use the Piezo Ultrasonic Scaler, which doesn’t produce heat. During the dental procedure, we use digital dental radiography to view below the gum line, as this is where most dental problems are found. We can also extract teeth and perform other surgical services if necessary. After your pet’s teeth are cleaned, we polish them for a smooth finish and provide you with digital before-and-after photos of your pet’s mouth, along with at-home dental tips.

If it’s been a while since your pet’s last exam, or if you’ve noticed symptoms like bad breath or swollen gums, give us a call to schedule a dental exam or cleaning. Together, we can help prevent gum disease in your pet and help them live a long, happy, healthy life.

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