Pet Dental Care in St. John, IN

Pet Dental Care

At St. John Animal Clinic, preventive dental care is an important part of your pet’s wellness care. Our professional dental treatments will help keep your pet’s teeth clean and prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease. Most pets suffer from some kind of dental disease; it isn’t just “bad breath.” During your pet’s physical exam, the veterinarian will examine your pet’s teeth and discuss recommended dental procedures. Dental procedures need to be performed under anesthesia to enable a full and thorough exam.

During a dental procedure with anesthesia, the teeth are probed, and dental radiographs are taken to identify any disease under the surface of the gum line, such as dental root abscesses and bone loss. The healthy teeth are then cleaned with an ultrasonic scaler to remove all tartar and bacterial buildup. After the teeth are thoroughly scaled, they are polished to reveal a smooth tooth surface. Diseased teeth are extracted surgically, if determined to be necessary, by your pet’s veterinarian. We can also refer your pet to a veterinary dentist for more advanced dental care.

Digital Dental Radiology

Digital radiographs are used to take digital images of your pet’s teeth and gums during their dental exam. During your pet’s dental procedure under anesthesia, digital radiographs allow us to examine the anatomy of your pet’s teeth, roots, gums, and surrounding bones to look for underlying pathology, such as abscesses, fractures, and alveolar bone loss.

At-Home Pet Dental Care

Caring for your pet’s teeth at home is an important preventive measure that ensures good oral hygiene. At your pet’s next exam, we can show you how to care for and brush your pet’s teeth at home. Our staff can also provide you with recommendations for specialty pet foods and treats that promote good oral health.