Veterinary Dentistry in Ardmore, PA

Over 25 Years of Experience Serving the Main Line

Proper dental care is an important part of keeping your pet healthy. Ardmore Animal Hospital offers full preventive dental care for all pets, including comprehensive cleanings, tooth extractions, and gingival flap procedures for large tooth extractions.

Why is dental care so important for your pet? Periodontal disease, caused by a build-up of bacteria and plaque on your pet’s teeth and gums, can lead to bleeding and inflammation of the gums and the eventual loss of teeth. But the effects of periodontal disease are not limited to your pet’s mouth. As the disease progresses, bacteria can travel through the blood and damage the heart, liver, and kidneys. More than 80 percent of dogs and cats have periodontal disease, and while it is extremely common, it is also highly preventable.

A deposit will be requested at the time the pre-anesthetic blood work is processed. This deposit will be credited to your invoice at the time services are rendered.

Signs your pet may have dental disease include:

• Loose or broken teeth
• Bad breath
• Pain inside mouth
• Inability to eat or drink
• Constant drooling
• Dropping food
• Chewing on one side of the mouth
• Pawing at the face or rubbing face on the floor

If it’s been a while since your pet had a dental checkup, reach out to our Ardmore veterinarians today at (610) 674-6636 to schedule your next visit!

Our Digital Technology

Ardmore Animal Hospital utilizes digital dental radiology during dental exams in order to better view, diagnose, and treat dental problems. Digital dental x-rays offer a clear, detailed view of your pet’s teeth and are extremely useful in identifying damaged teeth and trouble spots. Because digital dental x-rays produce clearer, more detailed images, your pet spends less time on the x-ray table, resulting in a safer, stress-free visit.

What's Involved with Teeth Cleaning?

Your pet’s dental cleaning begins with a general examination in order to evaluate his or her overall health and to help us develop an anesthetic protocol. Because veterinary dental procedures are more involved than human dental procedures, anesthesia is required to keep your pet still and prevent stress and discomfort.

A routine teeth cleaning includes the following:

• Tartar is removed from the teeth using a hand scaler.
• A periodontal probe checks for pockets under the gumline where periodontal disease and bad breath start.
• An ultrasonic scaler is used to clean above the gum line, while a curette cleans and smooths the teeth under the gumline in the crevices.
• 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.

In advanced cases of periodontal disease, oral surgery or tooth extractions are required. The veterinarians at Ardmore Animal Hospital perform a wide range of dental procedures.

Home Prevention

Proper dental care doesn’t end when your pet leaves our veterinary hospital. Brushing your pet’s teeth is an excellent way to ensure your pet’s teeth, gums, and mouth remain healthy. The staff at Ardmore Animal Hospital can show you the proper method of brushing your pet’s teeth.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Over 85% of dogs and cats have some type of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease simply means that the gums and bone that hold the teeth in place are being destroyed by oral bacteria. This preventable disease is the number one diagnosed disease in our pets, yet many animals suffer needlessly. Periodontal disease begins with gingivitis, or inflammation of the gum tissue, which is caused by plaque. Plaque is a mixture of saliva, bacteria, glycoproteins, and sugars that adhere to the tooth surface. Within minutes after a cleaning, a thin layer of plaque has adhered to the teeth. Eventually, this hardens to become calculus or tartar.

Calculus by itself is nonpathogenic – it does not cause disease. However, it does create a rough surface for more plaque to adhere to and pushes the gums away from the teeth, which increases surface area for more plaque to adhere. Eventually, the supporting structures of the tooth (bone, tissue, periodontal ligament) are destroyed and the tooth becomes mobile and will either fall out on its own or need to be extracted.

Veterinarians recommend the following care for pets:

• STEP 1: Bring your pet in for a dental exam. Don’t wait for his annual checkup if you suspect a problem.
• STEP 2: Begin a dental care regimen at home. Brushing your pet’s teeth daily is very important. We also recommend using a specially formulated dental rinse and dental chews and food. Please ask us if you need instructions on brushing your pet’s teeth or if you have any other questions.
• STEP 3: Schedule your pets for an annual teeth cleaning with x-rays. This is also very important and ensures we are catching any disease early enough to treat. Periodontal disease and oral bacteria can easily affect other organ systems including the heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, and brain.

How often should I schedule a dental examination for my pet?

Regular dental examinations are recommended at least once a year for most pets. However, some breeds or individuals prone to dental issues may require more frequent check-ups. Our veterinarians can provide personalized recommendations based on your pet's specific needs.

What are the signs of dental problems in pets?

Common signs of dental issues in pets include bad breath, swollen or bleeding gums, difficulty chewing, and loose or missing teeth. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's essential to schedule a dental examination for your pet promptly.

Don’t underestimate the importance of quality dental care for your pet. Contact our Ardmore veterinary dentists today to make an appointment.