Intermountain Pet Hospital

Dental Care

To assist with the cost of maintaining good oral health, through the months of January - March we are offering a 15% savings on standard oral ATP prices. This includes all dogs, cats, and ferrets.

All of our dental X-rays are done with digital radiography, which allows us to evaluate all the teeth in the mouth more quickly and shorten the time that the animal must remain under anesthesia.

Drs. Barry Rathfon and Nell Dalton are trained in endodontics to complete either vital pulpotomies or root canals.

We have samples of most of our dental hygiene products. Please don't hesitate to ask for a sample.

For more details about dental care, including information about Oral ATP (Assessment, Treatment, Prevention), see our March 2009 newsletter.

Start your Pet's Dental Program Today
You are a responsible pet owner. You take good care of your pet. But do you always remember to take care of your pet's teeth?

Pets have dental diseases and problems just like you do. Many of these problems can be avoided by bringing your pet to your veterinarian for regular dental check-ups and dental cleanings.

Dental Disease Can be Avoided
Does your pet have bad breath or reddened gums?
Severe tartar buildup with periodontal disease

If so, it could be caused by gingivitis. Gingivitis occurs when soft plaque hardens into rough, irritating tartar. Tartar build-up on your pet's teeth can cause damage to the teeth and gums.

If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to an infection called periodontal disease. This disease can cause the loss of teeth.

You can prevent serious dental problems from happening by making sure your pet receives dental exams at the time of each vaccination, again at six months of age, and then annually.

Dental Cleanings
Teeth Cleaning

Your pet's dental cleaning will begin with a physical examination. This is important to evaluate your pet's general health. After the physical exam, your pet is given an anesthesia for a safe and painless sleep during the dental cleaning.

The first part of dental cleaning requires the removal of tartar. This is done with a hand scaler.

Next, a periodontal probe checks for pockets under the gumline where periodontal disease and bad breath starts. A mechanical scaler is used to clean above the gumline while a curette cleans and smoothes the teeth under the gumline in the crevice.

Your pet's teeth are polished, creating a smooth surface. The gums are washed with an anti- bacterial solution to help delay tartar build-up both under the gumline and on the crown of the tooth.

Polishing of teeth

Finally, the doctor administers a fluoride treatment to strengthen your pet's teeth, to desensitize exposed roots, and to decrease infection.

Home Preventions
Dental care does not end with a visit to your veterinarian. You need to continue your veterinarian's good work at home. Brushing your pet's teeth is an important part of home dental care. The staff at Intermountain Pet Hospital will show you the proper method of brushing your dog's teeth.

Give your Pet Complete Dental Care
Annual veterinary dental care and home dental care will help keep your pet's breath fresh and gums and teeth healthy. Your pet's smile and healthier life will be equaled by your smile and pride in a job well done.