Veterinary Dentistry in Merrick NY
Good dental care is as important for dogs and cats as it is for humans. Without regular dental care, bacteria and plaque can buildup on your pet’s teeth, hardening into tartar which causes gingivitis, receding gums, periodontitis, tooth, and bone loss. If left untreated, dental disease leads to pain, infection—potentially causing infection to other organs. Unfortunately, many dog and cat owners overlook their pet’s teeth, which is why dental disease is such a large problem with dogs and cats.
Islip Animal Hospital provides professional teeth cleaning and advanced dental care for dogs and cats, including:
- Oral/dental exams
- Comprehensive dental cleanings, polishing and fluoride treatments.
- Minor oral surgery including, but not limited to, tooth extractions, fistula repairs and removal of oral tumors.
- Comprehensive pain management before, during and after any oral procedure that may produce discomfort.
- Monitored general anesthesia through the dental procedure by our well-trained technicians with the aid of digital monitoring equipment.
- Home dental care instructions and product recommendations.
- A referral network to veterinary dentists and specialists when needed.
At-Home Dental Care
Your pet’s dental care does not stop after a professional dental cleaning. It is important to brush your pet’s teeth regularly at home. It’s a simple process and should only take a few minutes every day. Just like humans, daily teeth brushing reduces plaque and tartar and lessens the chance of your pet developing dental disease like gingivitis and periodontitis.
Signs of Dental Disease in Pets:
- Bad breath
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Loose teeth
- Discoloration and/or buildup of tartar on teeth
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Your pet doesn’t allow you to touch him or her around the mouth
- Red, inflamed, irritated gums
- Has difficulty playing with chew toys
If your pet shows any of the above symptoms, please call us immediately to schedule a dental exam for your pet.
Dental Care at Islip Animal Hospital
- Professional dental cleanings
- Full mouth radiographs and dental charting
- Extractions
- Endodontics
- Bonding & Sealing
- Bonding & Composites
- Orthodontics
- Periodontal therapy
At-Home Dental Care
Regular, proactive dental care is a crucial part of keeping your pet’s teeth and gums healthy. In addition to our professional cleanings, it’s important to establish a dental care routine at home. Brushing your dog or cat’s teeth at home can be the most effective means of preventing a variety of dental infections and diseases.
At Islip Animal Hospital, our staff can help you learn how to effectively care for your pet’s teeth at home. Please call us if you have any questions on how to brush your pet’s teeth, or discuss at-home dental care with us during their annual wellness exam.
Signs of Dental Disease in Pets:
A good start to good dental care for your pet is for pet owners to recognize the signs of oral and dental disease in your pet. Oral infections and diseases not only affect your pet’s teeth and gums, but also affect their overall health. It’s important to watch for symptoms that may indicate an underlying infection or condition such as:
- Loss of appetite or loss of weight
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth or teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar
- Your pet shies away from you when you touch the mouth area
- Drooling or dropping food from the mouth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Loss of appetite or loss of weight
Ready to talk to us?
Let’s make sure your pet stays strong and healthy for years to come.