Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease affects nearly all pets by age 3, impacting the gums, bones, and other tooth-supporting oral tissues. It begins when sticky plaque coats the teeth and hardens into tartar, allowing bacteria to accumulate and causing gum inflammation (i.e., gingivitis). Left untreated, periodontal disease progresses and causes pain, tooth loss, and difficulty eating or playing. Additionally, bacteria from infected gum tissue can leak into the bloodstream and affect important organs, including the heart.

Dental Examinations

Regular exams are essential for detecting and addressing dental issues before they become serious. During your pet’s exam, our veterinarians thoroughly inspect your pet’s teeth and gums, looking for signs of plaque, tartar, gum disease, broken or loose teeth, and other oral problems. Our veterinarians will always perform a dental exam when your pet visits for routine wellness care.

Dental X-rays

Most tooth problems in dogs and cats occur below the gum line, where you cannot see them. Dental X-rays provide focused images that allow us to see each tooth’s entire structure, including the root, and identify common issues, including tooth root abscesses, bone loss, tooth resorption, and unerupted teeth. Our veterinary team performs full-mouth dental X-rays each time your pet is anesthetized for a dental cleaning.

Dental Cleanings

During a professional dental cleaning, veterinary technicians remove plaque and tartar buildup above and below the gum line, take dental X-rays, and polish your pet’s teeth. Our veterinarians perform a comprehensive oral examination and perform any dental extractions needed. Our entire team is skilled in providing thorough and gentle cleanings to keep your pet’s mouth in optimal condition.

Dental cleanings can be used to treat existing dental issues, but they are best used to prevent periodontal disease and other dental problems. At Indian Creek , we recommend regular dental cleanings every year for most pets over the age of 3, although we will evaluate each pet individually and provide customized recommendations.

Oral Surgery

Many dental problems require surgical intervention to remove diseased teeth. Our veterinary team can perform a range of dental procedures to address dental issues, including oral tumors, antibiotic injections and dental extractions. We use oral nerve blocks and injectable pain medications to ensure your pet remains comfortable throughout their stay. We send each pet home with personalized recommendations for home care and follow-up.

Anesthesia Safety

Anesthesia is essential for dental procedures, ensuring your pet remains still and pain-free during their treatment. While anesthesia-free dentistry seems appealing, it can cause pets extreme stress and does not allow for a thorough cleaning, X-rays, or necessary treatments. We take every precaution to ensure safe anesthesia for all pets, which includes conducting a physical exam, pre-anesthetic workup and monitoring your pet closely throughout the procedure.

At-home Dental Care

At-home tooth brushing is the most effective way to maintain pet dental health between professional cleanings. Brushing daily with a pet-safe toothpaste and soft-bristled toothbrush removes plaque buildup, reduces harmful oral bacteria, and keeps your pet’s breath fresh. Our team can provide a tooth brushing demonstration, offer tips for helping pets acclimate, and recommend safe, effective dental products to help with plaque removal or for pets who will not accept brushing.