Dentistry | Singleton Heights Ve

Pet Dentistry

At Singleton Heights Veterinary Clinic we are dedicated to providing comprehensive dental care for cats and dogs to ensure optimal oral health. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is essential for companion animals, as dental disease can lead to discomfort, infections, and may adversely affect critical organs such as the heart and kidneys. Routine examinations and professional dental cleanings are fundamental in supporting your pet's overall well-being, enabling them to eat comfortably, remain active, and enjoy a high quality of life. Schedule a dental assessment today to support your pet’s lifelong health and happiness.

Dental X-rays

Pet dental X-rays are specialised radiographic images that allow veterinarians to see beneath the gum line and inside the teeth, revealing issues that aren't visible during a standard oral examination. These X-rays help diagnose problems such as tooth fractures, abscesses, periodontal disease, and retained roots, ensuring your pet gets the right treatment.

Scaling and Polishing

Pet teeth scaling and polishing is a veterinary dental procedure designed to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the teeth and below the gumline. Using specialised tools, the veterinarian carefully cleans each tooth, followed by polishing to smooth the surfaces and reduce future plaque build-up. This process is performed under general anaesthesia to ensure the pet's comfort and safety.

Extractions

Teeth are extracted in cats and dogs for several reasons, with dental disease being the most common cause. Conditions such as periodontal disease, tooth fractures, resorptive lesions, and severe infection can lead to pain and discomfort, making extraction necessary to improve the animal's quality of life. In some cases, extractions are performed to prevent further spread of infection or when a tooth is no longer viable due to decay or trauma. Maintaining oral health through timely extractions helps pets stay comfortable and avoid more serious health issues.

Prevention

Maintaining your pet's teeth health and oral hygiene is crucial for their overall wellbeing. There are several products available that help prevent dental issues such as plaque, tartar buildup, and gum disease in pets.

Dental Chews: Specially formulated treats like Greenies are designed to clean teeth as pets chew, reducing plaque and freshening breath.
Dental Diets: Specially formulated kibble such as Hill's Prescription Diet t/d (Dental). This a therapeutic food for dogs and cats designed to reduce plaque, tartar, and stains by physically scrubbing teeth clean to the gum line as they chew, using unique, dense kibble with a special fiber matrix that acts like an edible toothbrush, proven more effective than brushing for reducing buildup and promoting fresh breath, while also supporting overall health.
Toothbrushes and Toothpaste: Pet-specific toothbrushes and enzymatic toothpastes (never use human toothpaste) are used for regular brushing to remove food debris and bacteria.
Water Additives: Products such as TropiClean Fresh Breath can be added to your pet's water bowl to help control bacteria and freshen breath.
Dental Sprays and Gels: These can be applied directly to your pet’s gums and teeth to help fight plaque and bacteria.
Dental Toys: Chew toys made from durable materials, like rubber bones or rope toys, encourage chewing which naturally helps clean teeth.

Regular use of these products, combined with routine vet check-ups, can keep your pet’s mouth healthy and prevent painful dental problems down the track.