Dentistry

Research shows that ‘periodontal disease’, a collective term for several inflammatory conditions in the mouth, occurs in 80% of dogs and 70% of cats by the time they are three years old. Many owners are not even aware that their pet has a problem as the symptoms for periodontal disease are often hard to detect.  However, it can cause painful damage to your dog’s mouth and if left untreated, the bacteria involved can also affect other body systems, having more serious health complications.

We have a range of dental procedures available depending on your pet’s needs. These range from a scale and polish to a full dental with extractions and x-rays.

Scaling and polishing involves the removal of plaque and calculus above the gingival margin using our scale machine. We also polish the teeth using special toothpaste to make your pet’s teeth sparkling clean. If teeth are identified requiring removal, then we can remove these using our wide range of hand and electric powered instruments.  All our procedures are carried out using our high-tech electric powered dental machine which makes our procedures quick and efficient, reducing anaesthetic time for your pet.

We have recently added a dental x-ray system, meaning patients at Murphy & Co Vets can be given the best possible treatment.  Studies have shown that almost half of cats and a third of dogs have hidden dental disease which can only be detected by x-ray.  In cats and dogs, a large majority of the tooth is under the gum line and dental x-rays allow us to see the entire tooth.  Sometimes the tooth may be present in the mouth, but the root may have completely disappeared.  Without an x-ray, the operator may spend time and effort trying to remove a root that has been resorbed or disintegrated.  Dental x-rays in these circumstances will therefore reduce the dental time and will reduce trauma in the oral cavity.  It can also provide important information after tooth extraction on whether the entire root has been removed and whether missing teeth are truly missing or still in the jaw bone.

Following the procedure, we will discuss ongoing preventive care, including brushing, plaque reduction products, special diets and dental chews. If you are concerned about your pet’s teeth, then book in for a free dental check today with one of our nursing team.

See our Pet Health section for guidance on dental health care products.