"Dr. Block always takes excellent care of my GSD April. Dr. Block and her staff are very caring. Last year, April had to get two root canals. At that time Dr. Block went over all our options clearly. This year April went in for a checkup and a routine cleaning. April’s teeth are in great shape!"
April Niebuhr
Your pet’s oral health affects more than just their smile. It also influences their comfort, appetite, and overall well-being. At Missoula Veterinary Dentistry, we know that even small dental problems can have big impacts, so we focus on annual comprehensive oral exams with dental radiographs, preventive care, and professional teeth cleanings to detect hidden issues before they cause pain or complications.
Let us help your cat or dog enjoy a healthier mouth and a higher quality of life, because every pet deserves a smile that feels as good as it looks.
Why Preventive Dental Care is Critical for Pets
Oral health may seem difficult to assess, but regular comprehensive exams and dental radiographs reveal what’s happening beneath the surface. Here’s why preventive care is so important:
Uncovers Hidden Dental Issues:
While tartar or gum redness is visible, many dental problems hide below the gumline. Dental radiographs provide a behind-the-scenes view of teeth, roots, and the jawbone, uncovering tooth fractures or abscesses, impacted teeth, and early periodontal disease. By identifying these issues early, we can intervene before pain or tooth loss occurs.
Prevent Pain & Discomfort:
Pets are often stoic, and will hide discomfort from dental disease or injuries. Comprehensive exams and radiographs allow us to detect underlying pain and provide targeted treatment, ensuring your pet enjoys pain-free chewing and an improved overall quality of life.
Ensure Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment:
Radiographs and CT scans provide detailed insights into the internal structures of the teeth and surrounding tissues. Combined with a hands-on oral exam, our Board Certified Veterinary Dentists® can develop precise treatment plans, perform extractions, root canals, or periodontal therapy with confidence, and minimize risks and complications.
Safeguard Overall Health:
Dental disease doesn’t just affect the mouth; it can impact the heart, kidneys, and liver, too. Early detection through annual exams helps prevent bacteria from spreading systemically, promoting your pet’s long-term health and longevity.
What a Professional Dog & Cat Teeth Cleaning Involves
A dog and cat teeth cleaning at Missoula Veterinary Dentistry is much more than scraping tartar away for a pretty smile. Our thorough process includes:
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Comprehensive Oral Examination:
Every tooth and the surrounding tissue are examined under anesthesia for hidden disease.
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Digital Imaging:
X-rays and a cone beam CT reveal abscesses, fractures, and root disease that cannot be seen externally.
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Scaling & Cleaning:
Plaque and tartar are removed both above and below the gumline to prevent periodontal disease.
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Polishing & Fluoride Treatment:
Polishing smooths enamel to prevent future plaque buildup. Fluoride strengthens teeth for long-term protection.
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Targeted Treatments:
If a tooth requires extraction, root canal, or other advanced care, we can plan procedures precisely and safely, often in the same visit.
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Pain Management & Recovery:
Every cleaning includes careful pain control and monitoring to ensure a safe, comfortable recovery for your pet.
Keep Your Pet’s Smile Bright (And Healthy)
Annual oral exams with dental radiographs are essential for uncovering hidden problems, preventing pain, and ensuring a healthy, happy life for your pet. At Missoula Veterinary Dentistry, we combine expert care and advanced diagnostics to keep your dog or cat smiling for years to come.
Give your pet the gift of a pain-free mouth and a brighter, healthier life by scheduling their preventive dental care today.
