Dental Care


Pet Dental Care at Carol Stream Animal Hospital:

Your Pets teeth play a significant role in their overall health

Can you imagine what your teeth would look like if you never brushed them? It's no different for cats and dogs, though many pet owners do not pay very much attention to their pet's dental health. Bad breath and dirty teeth are unappealing, but many pet owners are not aware that these may be indicators of gum disease that can spread to the kidney, heart, and liver. The gums are a boundary to the bloodstream, so unless you are regularly providing dental care for your pet, you are neglecting an important factor in their overall health and putting them at a higher risk for serious illness.  85% of dogs and 70% of cats over the age of three suffer from some form of dental disease, so chances are your pet could use a dental exam. Even if your pet does not have stained teeth, bacteria can still be present below the gum line, so it is important to have your pet's oral cavity examined by a professional. In fact, if your pet has bad breath, they have a form of dental disease.

Without proper care, plaque builds up on the teeth and turns into tartar. These areas spread as long as they are untreated and result in gum disease, tooth loss, and pain. Remember, your pet feels the pain of a toothache just like you do, and worst of all they can't tell you they are in pain. You would not go weeks or months without dealing with a toothache, would you? If your pet does not receive routine dental care, they could be experiencing pain in their gums and jaw.

The best thing you can do to prevent dental disease is to call Carol Stream Animal Hospital to schedule an appointment for your pet. You have to do your part at home with brushing and special dental chews, but your veterinarian plays a vital role in your pet's dental health as well. Annual dental exams are a necessary part of your pet's overall health, so call us at (630) 462-7888  or come by in person to talk about your pet's dental health today.

_________________________________________________________________________



VETBROS 

"Dental disease is an often-overlooked threat to the comfort and health of your pet. Because dental disease often has few readily apparent signs, bringing your pet in for a wellness examination is the only way to ensure detection. Following this exam, your veterinarian may recommend a particular dental cleaning schedule, oral care routine, or special treatment based on your pet’s dental health needs." - Animal Medical Hospital and Urgent Care, Charlotte, NC


THESE DIAGRAMS SHOW THE PROGRESSION OF DENTAL DISEASE FROM A NORMAL MOUTH ON THE LEFT TO SEVERE DISEASE RESULTING IN INFECTED MOUTH AND BONE LOSS (SEE THE X-RAY BELOW). BONE LOSS RESULTS IN TOOTH LOSS AND BONE INFECTION.


NORMAL X-RAY OF A DOG'S LOWER JAW WITH THE ROOTS OF THE TEETH FIRMLY EMBEDDED IN BONE. 







 

SIMILAR VIEW BUT NOTE HOW MUCH OF THE ROOTS OF THE TEETH ARE NOT COVERED IN BONE MAKING THEM PRONE TO INFECTION AND TOOTH LOSS DUE TO INSTABILITY.



 


What are the effects of dental disease? Well, imagine where you would be if you did not have your teeth cleaned regularly:

Mouth pain, bad breath, tooth loss, difficulty eating, reclusive behavior (hiding, not normally interacting), infection of body organs (especially the heart and kidneys). 

Cleaning early in the course of dental disease (at Grade 1 or 2 level) can prevent these complications.

Dental Cleaning Fees

Because dental cleaning is done under anesthesia, it is necessary for us to verify that there are no underlying health concerns. This will necessitate an examination being done at least one year prior to the procedure.

In addition blood testing is needed. Cost will vary depending on the type of blood testing that is needed. 

Senior Wellness Panel (healthy pets over 7 years of age): $165-$177

Junior Wellness Panel (healthy pets, less than 7 years of age): $75-$92

Examination: $49-$59

Dental Cleaning: $242-272 (based on severity)

Includes: anesthesia, intravenous catheter and fluids, EKG, pulse oximeter monitoring, complete dental exam, cleaning, polishing and fluoride treatment.

These cleaning fees do not include extractions or medication (antibiotics or pain relieving medication) that may be needed for conditions beyond cleaning. 

Visit our Office