Taking Care Of Your Pet s Teeth With Veterinary Dentistry

Taking a trip to the veterinarian with a beloved pet is a common visit that most pet owners make from time to time, either for a routine exam, yearly immunizations or to check and discuss a specific health issue. The veterinarian is most often a person who enjoys animals, and this trip is typically a pleasant experience for all parties involved, especially when the veterinarian is very gentle and friendly in his/her handling of the pets. Yet, the field of veterinary dentistry, while not quite as common in many parts of the world, is a growing area of medicine that many pet owners are beginning to take notice of and to participate in.

The Importance And Usefulness Of Veterinary Dentistry

Just as it is often said that the state of a person s gums tells a great deal about their overall health, the same can be said in the life of a beloved pet. An animal s teeth and gums can suffer in a variety of ways, as can a human s. Over time, teeth become decayed, yellowed or covered in plaque, which can certainly affect one s overall health.

Veterinary dentistry is one very specialized field of medicine that focuses on the teeth and gums of animals and their general maintenance and well-being. Although some people scoff at this field, sighting the general excess that is often spent on one s pet, many of those who feel that their pets are just an extension of the family, want to do everything within their power in order to keep their pet s health as strong as it can be. Extending the life span and the quality of that life is a top priority for many serious pet owners and trainers.

Veterinary dentistry requires a great amount of time and study in a college setting, much like the field of dentistry for humans. There are a variety of diseases of the mouth, teeth and gums that affect animals, and it is important to have these issues taken care of before it is too late. Often, an animal develops gum disease and plaque from bad eating habits, such as being fed soft foods instead of hard, crunchy food, which helps rid the teeth of plaque build-up.

Animal dentists often have clinics that are set up to cater to the specific needs of the pet and are often very expensive as well. Insurance typically does not cover animals or pet, unless one carries a certain type of insurance specifically designed for pets, which is available for a high price. Overall, veterinary dentistry has its place to keep a pet s health maintained for years to come through the care and enhancement of healthy teeth and gums.

Taking Your Pet To Visit The Veterinary Dentist

It is said that the state of your teeth can be a great indicator of the state of one s overall health. And, this fact is no different when one is speaking of their pet or animal. Over time, a dog or cat s teeth can become decayed or filled with plaque depending on their age and what type of foods they are generally fed on a regular basis.

In modern times, along with trips to the veterinarian on a regular basis, the faithful pet owner can also take their animal for trips to the veterinary dentist as well for some much needed dental work. This highly specialized field is often used by those pet owners who are not only avid lovers of their pet, but also have the money to spend on such an endeavor, as it can be quite an expensive practice. Yet, for those whose pets have serious dental issues, the veterinary dentist can be a life saver.

What To Expect On Your Trip To The Veterinary Dentist

Coaxing your dog, cat or other pet into the veterinary office can be enough of a battle without even thinking of a trip to the dentist. It is hard enough to get those of the human race to enjoy this wrenching experience, especially those who have not had very good dental experiences in the past. Yet, the veterinary dentist has all the expertise to make the animals and pet owner s visit as painless as it can possibly be.

Everything within the office is set up to accommodate your pet, from the chairs or benches that are used to the way that the assistants handle the animals. There are rarely any surprises that these professionals cannot handle. Many veterinary dentists work in a partnership with other veterinarians as well in order to help one another, and some may even share office space as well. On the other hand, many of these medical professionals have stand-alone facilities in which to operate.

Generally, there is no insurance accepted, with the exception of those insurance for the ultra-serious pet owners which can cover large expenses after meeting a certain amount for a deductible. During these visits, the animal s teeth are cleaned, just as the case for a person.

Plaque is often a problem for many pets, so a thorough cleaning is often needed, along with some more specialized work to be done. Problems such as halitosis and periodontal disease are also taken care of as well. Overall, a trip to the veterinary dentist can be a pleasant and healthy experience for the pet, enhancing their life, not too mention their teeth and gums.