Specialty Center: Dentistry

Kris Bannon, DVM

Diplomate, American Veterinary Dental College

Fellow, Academy Veterinary Dentistry

Periodontal disease is the most common disease of dogs and cats, and it is preventable! There are many reasons that veterinarians recommend dental care for dogs and cats. Some animals only need an occasional cleaning, and some pets need lots of extensive dental work. It is very similar to dental care of people. Even though we brush our teeth at least twice a day, we still have to go to see a dentist regularly. And some people have to go more often than others. This is the same for animals. Some dogs can live their whole lives with only one or two teeth cleanings, and others need dental care every 6 to 12 months in order to stay healthy.

All of the same dental care that is available for people is available for animals. Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery of NM, LLC offers root canal therapy, advanced periodontal therapy, surgical and non-surgical extractions, major oral surgery, and even orthodontics. Yes, that’s braces for dogs and cats! But we don’t do braces just to make their smile prettier. We use braces in animals that have pain when they chew their food or close their mouths, so that it doesn’t hurt them anymore.

How do I know if my pet needs dental care?

Many animals can have severe oral pain and never tell us.  So look for any of the following:

• Bleeding from the gums, cheeks or lips
• Bad breath (doggie breath is not normal!)
• Visible tartar on the teeth
• Broken, discolored or loose teeth
• Difficulty eating or chewing
• Excessive drooling
• Swellings, lumps or irregular gums
• Pawing or rubbing at the face
• A wound under the eye or chin that won’t heal
• Anything else that seems unusual!

To refer a patient for dentistry services or to learn more about veterinary dentistry, please visit www.vetdentistrynm.com.