Dentistry

Comprehensive Dental Services

• Professional dental cleaning with full oral exam
• Digital dental x-rays to evaluate the 70% of the tooth that is below the gum line as well as the soft tissues around the teeth
• Evaluation of all fractured and discolored teeth
• Surgical extractions
• Local anesthetic blocks for pain control
• Enamel defects
• Periodontal therapy

Commitment to Safety

Dental cleaning and diagnosis of dental disease requires anesthesia. We evaluate your pet’s health and ability to undergo safe anesthesia prior to every procedure. Multimodal pain management prevents pain and leads to a safe and fast recovery.

• Before the procedure precautions include exam, comprehensive blood work to screen for underlying disease and heart assessment
• During the procedure your pet is supported with fluids, warming blankets, intensive monitoring and safe anesthesia protocols
• After the procedure you are sent home with detailed instructions, toothpaste and toothbrush. A complimentary recheck evaluation is scheduled 10-14 days after the procedure

Jill received excellent care at Rivertown Animal Hospital when she had her teeth cleaned. She actually seemed pretty happy when I picked her up, for a cat that usually hates to go to the vet.

joanm, Certified Online Review

Keep your pet healthy and pain free with good dental care

Periodontal disease is the most common clinical condition occurring in adult dogs and cats, and is entirely preventable, according to the American Veterinary Dental College. Some facts about your pet’s teeth and gums:

• Studies have shown that periodontal disease can cause bacteria to spread through the bloodstream, negatively affecting the heart, liver and kidneys
• Prevention includes regular dental exams, home oral care starting at a young age and regular professional cleanings
• Treatment of existing dental disease requires dental x-rays, general anesthesia and appropriate therapy
• Signs of dental disease include bad breath, brown or discolored teeth, loose teeth, red gums, salivation, pain with chewing and weight loss
• Owners often never look under the lip to see the condition of their pet’s mouth, resulting in progression of dental disease and a painful mouth

Learn more about veterinary dental health

• Rivertown’s dental information brochure about anesthesia safety and pain management
• Visit our Helpful Links Page to learn more about veterinary dental health

Most pathology in the mouth is below the gum line, so if you are not taking dental x-rays you miss problems.Dr. Ginger Garlie