How to Recognize the Signs of Dental Pain in Pets

Don’t let your pet suffer in silence. Here’s how to recognize the signs of dental pain in pets and how a veterinary dental specialist can help.

How to Recognize the Signs of Dental Pain in Pets

As pet owners, one of our greatest fears is that our beloved animals might be suffering without us realizing it. This concern is especially true when it comes to dental pain. Unlike humans, pets can’t tell us when something is wrong, and they often hide signs of discomfort until the problem becomes severe. This can leave many pet owners feeling anxious about whether their pet’s pain is being adequately recognized and treated.

Addressing Pet Owners’ Fears About Dental Pain

It’s natural to worry about whether your pet’s pain is being recognized and managed appropriately. Many pet owners fear that their concerns might be dismissed, or that the underlying issue won’t be detected until it’s too late to preserve function. To ease these fears, it’s crucial to consult a specialist who has the expertise and technology needed to thoroughly evaluate your pet’s dental health.

As board-certified veterinary dentists, we are trained to recognize the subtle signs of dental pain in pets. We can also use advanced tools like CBCT scans to diagnose conditions that might go unnoticed by another vet. This specialized care can make a significant difference in your pet’s quality of life. With care from a specialist, you won’t have to worry about your pet suffering from dental pain.

Understanding Dental Pain in Pets

Signs of dental pain in pets are often subtle, and they can easily go unnoticed. Unlike walking with a limp or a visibly bleeding wound, the signs of dental disease can be challenging to spot. Pets may continue eating and playing as usual, masking their discomfort. However, there are certain symptoms that can indicate a problem.

Signs of dental pain in pets include:

  • Bad Breath

Persistent bad breath (halitosis) is often one of the first signs of dental disease.

  • Difficulty Eating or Chewing

If your pet starts to eat less or seems to have trouble chewing, it could be due to dental pain.

  • Excessive Drooling or Pawing at the Mouth 

Pets may drool excessively or paw at their mouth if they’re experiencing oral discomfort.

  • Behavioral Changes

A normally friendly pet may become irritable or withdrawn due to chronic pain.

The Role of Advanced Imaging in Diagnosing Dental Pain

One of the challenges in veterinary dentistry is accurately diagnosing the source of dental pain. Traditional dental radiographs (x-rays) are useful, but they do have limitations, especially when it comes to detecting issues within the bone or tooth structure.

This is where cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) comes into play. CBCT is a specialized imaging technology that provides a 3D view of your pet’s oral and maxillofacial structures, offering a more detailed and comprehensive picture than traditional X-rays. This advanced tool helps us identify painful conditions that might otherwise go undetected.

CBCT scans help us detect serious problems like:

  • Tooth Resorption

With this condition, the body starts to break down and absorb the structure of the tooth, leading to pain and tooth loss.

  • Fractured Tooth Roots

These can be difficult to see on regular X-rays but are easily spotted with CBCT.

  • Hidden Bone Loss

CBCT can reveal areas of bone loss that are not visible with standard imaging techniques.

By using cone-beam CT, the experts at Missoula Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery can provide more accurate diagnoses. This technology also aids in treatment planning, by helping us identify the cause of your pet’s pain so we can treat it effectively.

Pet Dental Checkups in Western Montana

Even if your pet seems healthy, routine exams with your primary care veterinarian can help detect potential problems. If anything unusual is found, they may refer you to a specialty practice for further evaluation and treatment.

Having access to a board-certified veterinary dentist means that you can rest assured knowing that your pet’s dental health is in expert hands. Regular checkups help us detect dental issues in their early stages. If we see any signs of problems, then we can offer treatment before your pet starts to feel any significant pain. 

Whether you need a routine exam or your need to address a more complex dental issue, our specialists can provide the advanced care necessary to keep your pet healthy and happy. Contact our Missoula clinic to make an appointment today. 



Photo by Talia Kolecki on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 9/19/24.