Veterinary Dentistry & Dental Surgery
Dental Health Care For Cats
Much like our own dental checkups, veterinary dental services can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease that can lead to pain and health issues. Yet preventive dental care for cats is often neglected.
At our Kamloops veterinary hospital, we provide a range of dental services specifically tailored to cats. Whether your cat needs a basic procedure, such as dental exams, teeth cleanings, or dental X-rays, or they need surgery, The Cat Hospital of Kamloops is here to help.
We will also provide you with tips on how to maintain your cat's oral hygiene at home, including proper brushing techniques and recommended dental products.
Teeth Cleaning & Examinations
Annual dental checkups are crucial for maintaining your cat's overall health. Early detection of oral health problems can save your cat a lot of pain and discomfort.
During your cat's dental procedure, your veterinarian will examine their teeth and gums, and clean their teeth if necessary. We may recommend additional treatments such as extractions if needed.
Your cat's dental care will require two or more appointments, and they will typically involve the following:
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Pre-Anesthetic Assessment
A thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment will be completed for your cat before the dental exam.
We will take blood and urine for analyses to ensure it's safe for your cat to be given anesthesia. Additional diagnostics, such as chest radiographs, may also be conducted.
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Administering Anesthesia
Anesthesia is administered to all cats undergoing dental procedures. This allows us to do a thorough examination and cleaning and capture any required X-rays safely and efficiently without undue stress on the cat.
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Oral Examination & Cleaning
Once your cat is under anesthesia, the veterinarian will perform a thorough oral examination, carefully examining each tooth. They will clean and polish your cat's teeth, ensuring they reach below the gum line.
Additionally, they will apply fluoride treatment to protect each tooth, and dental sealant to prevent plaque buildup.
If any oral health problems are detected, our veterinarian will develop a personalized treatment plan for your cat, which may involve dental surgery if necessary. They will then discuss the plan with you in detail.
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Follow-up Exam & Home Care
Your veterinarian may recommend a follow-up examination be scheduled two weeks after the initial appointment so they can assess if your cat's medical condition has improved.
Based on their observations during this visit, they may suggest continuing with your current at-home care routine or propose additional treatment options tailored to your cat's specific needs.
Dental Surgery for Cats
We perform dental surgery for cats when required. Surgery may be required if your pet has a damaged tooth, extensive tooth decay, or periodontal disease.
Our team understands that it can be overwhelming to learn that your cat requires dental surgery. We will do what we can to make this process as stress-free as possible, for you and for your feline friend.
For you, we'll be sure to break down each step of the process in detail before the procedure, including preparation and post-operative care requirements.
For your cat, we will provide them with anesthesia before, and during their dental surgery, to ensure they are comfortable and do not experience any pain.
Additionally, our team uses a gentle approach when handling cats, ensuring their safety and well-being throughout the entire dental surgery process.
Signs of Dental Health Issues in Pets
If you notice any of the following symptoms in your cat, contact your veterinarian for a dental checkup.- Tartar buildup
- Pawing at their mouth or teeth
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Excessive drooling (may contain pus or blood)
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Bad breath
- Reduced grooming
- Refusal to eat
- Dropping food from the mouth
- Teeth grinding
- Abnormal chewing
- Repeated yawning
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Discoloured teeth
FAQs About Pet Dental Care
To learn more about dental care for cats, read through our answers to these frequently asked questions from our clients.
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Why do cats need their teeth cleaned?
Just like humans, cats are also prone to developing periodontal disease or tooth decay due to inadequate oral hygiene. When cats consume food, plaque sticks to their teeth. If not regularly removed, it can harden into tartar.
Providing annual veterinary dental care for cats is crucial to preventing various oral health issues, including periodontal disease, tooth decay and the potential loss of teeth.
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How often does my cat need their teeth cleaned?
We recommend that most cats see a veterinarian for a dental checkup once a year. Cats more prone to dental problems than others may require more frequent appointments.
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What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my cat?
As well as causing problems such as cavities, bad breath and periodontal disease, oral health issues and conditions may lead to disease in the liver, kidney, heart and other areas throughout your cat's body.
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What should I do at home to keep my cat's teeth clean between dental appointments?
Brushing your cat's teeth on a regular basis, and providing dental chew toys, can help control the buildup of plaque. Speak to your veterinarian to learn more about caring for your cat's teeth between veterinary appointments.
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Why does my cat need anesthesia for their dental appointment?
Cats are unable to understand what is going on during dental procedures, and will often react by struggling, biting or scratching. Using anesthesia puts less stress on cats and allows the veterinarian to examine their mouth safely.
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What dental issues may require dental surgery as treatment?
Dental health issues which may require dental surgery include: cracked or broken teeth, tooth decay, severe gum disease (periodontitis), jaw fractures or dysplasia and feline stomatitis.
New Patients Welcome
The Cat Hospital of Kamloops is accepting new feline patients! If you are looking for a veterinarian who is solely committed to the unique needs of cats, get in touch today to book your first appointment.