Dog Dental Care Services in Round Rock

During your dog's dental exam at our vet clinic, we perform a thorough assessment of your pet's oral health. We typically begin with a visual examination of your dog's mouth, teeth, and gums while they're awake. The veterinarian will look for signs of dental disease, such as tartar buildup, gum inflammation, or loose teeth. They may also check for any growths, lesions, or abnormalities in the oral cavity. This initial exam helps determine if further treatment is necessary.

If a more comprehensive examination or cleaning is required, your dog may need to be put under general anesthesia. This allows the veterinary team to conduct a detailed assessment and perform necessary procedures safely and without causing stress to your pet. While under anesthesia, the vet can probe each tooth to check for pockets or signs of periodontal disease, take dental X-rays to evaluate the health of the tooth roots and jaw bone, and perform a professional cleaning. Over half of your dog’s tooth is hidden underneath their gum line, so X-rays allow your vet to diagnose and address any dental concerns that may not be visible to the eye. 

The cleaning process involves scaling to remove tartar and plaque, followed by polishing to smooth the tooth surfaces. Your vet will discuss their findings with you and recommend any further treatments or home care strategies to maintain your dog's dental health.

How Dental Disease Can Affect Your Pet

Dental disease can have extensive effects on your dog's health, extending well beyond just the mouth. As plaque and tartar build up on the teeth, bacteria can harbor and multiply, leading to inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and possibly periodontal disease. This condition can result in painful infections, tooth loss, and damage to the supporting structures of the teeth.