At Maven Vets we see dental care as an essential part of keeping your pet healthy along with vaccinations, flea and worm treatments.
Pets, like people, easily develop plaque and tartar on their teeth. If this is allowed to build up it can lead to tooth decay and also to other diseases like heart and kidney disease.
We are dedicated to helping you keep your pet’s teeth and mouth healthy and offer advice and training on dental home care of your pet's teeth. Watch our videos below for 5 easy steps to begin brushing your cat or dog's teeth.
If your pet is suffering from dental disease, dental treatment may be required.
All dental treatments require your pet to be under general anaesthetic: we will discuss this with you and always take this into account when deciding if dental treatment is right for your pet.
Members of our Maven Health Care Club receive a discount on all dental procedures.
At Maven Vets we recommend brushing your pet's teeth to keep them healthy - watch the videos below for more information on how to do this!
Guide to brushing your cat's teeth
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Guide to brushing your dog's teeth
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What is dental disease
Dental disease can vary from mild to severe.
In the early stages of dental disease plaque and tartar begin to build on the surface of the tooth.
As plaque and tartar continue to build the gum around the tooth can become inflamed (gingivitis).
Left untreated, the inflamed gum will begin to recede, exposing the root of the tooth.
Ultimately the tooth may be lost.
Dental disease can also occur following trauma where a tooth is fractured.
Is my pet in pain if they have dental disease?
Yes.
Your pet's teeth are made up in the same way as our teeth with the same nerves and sensations.
They experience dental pain in the same way as we do.
However, pets are very good at hiding this pain and it can often be difficult to identify they are in pain.
Most patients become much brighter and happier after dental treatment as the pain is now gone!
Who will check if my pet has dental disease?
Our nurses can assess your pet’s teeth for free during a dental clinic and are fully trained in advising you on techniques to help care for them.
In addition, our vets will check your pet's teeth at each of their examinations for vaccinations or other problems.
If your pet requires any dental treatment, we will discuss this with you and give you an estimate for all treatments required.
Dental treatments are carried out by our vets.
In addition, Michael Baumann has a specialist interest in dentistry and has attended numerous advanced training courses to ensure we are providing the highest dental care for your pet. A free dental assessment can be booked with Michael Baumann if treatment is recommended.
Where will my pet have a dental?
All patients who require dental treatment will be cared for in our specifically designed dental suite at our North Cheam Clinic.
The suite provides modern and specialised facilities for the dental treatments your pet may need.
What happens during my pet's dental?
At the start of your pet’s treatments we will chart your pet’s mouth. This is a process where we individually assess each tooth and the gums and record any abnormalities.
Charting your pet's teeth ensures no problems are missed and acts as a record if further investigation or treatment is required.
You will also receive a copy of this chart for your own records.
The vet doing your pet's dental will then call you to discuss the findings in your pet's mouth and to recommend what dental treatment is required.
You will also be given costs of all treatments.
As with all operations your pet will be carefully monitored throughout their anaesthetic.
What is a scale and polish procedure?
As with people, a scale and polish involve an ultrasonic scaler held gently against the teeth.
The scaler will gently vibrate against the teeth to remove tartar.
A high-speed polisher is then used to ensure your pet’s teeth are left smooth and clean.
(All patients who require other dental treatment will also have their teeth scaled and polished.)
When are dental X-Rays taken?
If we are concerned about a tooth showing early signs of decay we may take an x-ray of the tooth as your own dentist would do.
The X-ray allows us to examine the portion of the tooth under the gum (the root) to identify if it is healthy or not.
This information will be used to determine the best treatment for that tooth.
What do dental extractions involve?
In short, dental extractions mean removing teeth.
This is only done when a tooth is diseased and, if left in the mouth, will cause further problems.
At Maven Vets we use surgical extractions to carefully remove teeth which are diseased.
This means we use surgical techniques to safely remove the tooth, minimising trauma to the gums and other structures in the mouth. We will then suture the gum.
For your pet this means minimal trauma in their mouth and a quicker healing time.
What if my pet requires more advanced dental treatment?
On occasion your pet may require more advanced dental techniques such as root canal treatment.
These advanced procedures can help to preserve teeth which are showing early signs of disease and can help to prevent extractions.
If this is required we can discuss referral options for your pet.
We are also proud at Maven Vets that we will be able to offer these procedures on site with Michael Baumann in the near future.
