Dog and Cat Dental Care in Naples, FL

When we perform a physical examination on your pet, we include an evaluation of the oral cavity. Preventing dental disease through regular brushing at home and addressing dental problems promptly is important because untreated dental disease can cause significant pain and negatively affect your pet’s overall health and quality of life. As dental disease progresses, it can lead to infection, tooth loss, and other serious health consequences.

All patients undergoing a dental cleaning at Town and Country Animal Hospital receive a thorough oral examination and a full set of digital dental radiographs before the cleaning begins. Dental radiographs are essential because approximately 60% of the tooth lies below the gumline and cannot be evaluated by visual examination alone. A tooth may appear normal on the surface while a dental radiograph reveals disease beneath the gumline. Radiographs allow our veterinarians to evaluate the health of each tooth and determine whether treatment beyond a routine cleaning is necessary.

We are equipped to provide routine dental prophylaxis and cleanings, simple and complex surgical extractions, and treatment of periodontal disease.

General anesthesia is necessary to provide the complete relaxation and immobility required to safely obtain a full set of dental radiographs and thoroughly clean, scale, probe, and polish the teeth. After the radiographs are taken, our veterinarians review them while carefully examining and probing each tooth.

If we identify teeth that are compromised, abscessed, fractured, infected, or otherwise require treatment, we will contact you while your pet is under anesthesia to discuss our findings and obtain your permission to proceed with the recommended treatment during the same procedure. Treatment may include removal of a retained baby tooth, extraction of a fractured or diseased tooth, treatment of periodontal disease, or application of a bonded sealant to an area of damaged enamel.

Once the oral examination and radiographs are complete, the dental cleaning begins. An ultrasonic scaler is used to remove plaque and tartar from the tooth surface both above and below the gumline. Hand scaling is then performed to ensure a thorough cleaning, particularly in areas that are difficult to reach. Each tooth is then polished to create a smooth surface and reduce the ability of plaque and bacteria to adhere.

OraVet barrier sealant is applied following the cleaning to help reduce bacterial and plaque adhesion during the first few weeks after the dental procedure.

Throughout the dental procedure, a veterinary technician is dedicated to monitoring your pet while under anesthesia. An intravenous catheter is placed so fluids can be administered during the procedure. Body temperature is maintained with a Bair Hugger warming system, and your pet is continuously monitored with ECG, blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation monitoring.

Our goal is to provide a thorough dental assessment and cleaning while keeping your pet comfortable and closely monitored throughout the entire procedure.