Dentistry

The following are required for all surgery patients:

Up to 80% of pets are affected by various stages of dental disease, which can start even before a year of age. We believe diagnosing and treating dental problems can improve your pet’s quality and quantity of life. Twin Lakes Veterinary Hospital is proud to offer complete oral health assessments and treatment.

The following are required for all surgery patients:

Oral exams
Dental cleanings
Polishing

Fluoride-infused polish to strengthen enamel and reduce tooth sensitivity
Digital dental X-rays
Dental chews, treats, and other supplements (for chronic oral issues)

Physical Exam at Twin Lakes Veterinary Hospital within the past year.
Current on core vaccines.
Recent negative fecal sample.
Pre-operative bloodwork – performed prior to surgery

This comprehensive oral health assessment is performed under general anesthesia and includes:

Full mouth exam
Ultrasonic cleaning
Fluoride polish
Digital Dental Radiographs (x-rays)

Digital dental radiographs allow better assessment of teeth and what is happening below the gum line including tooth roots and health of the surrounding bone and jaw structures. These can reveal numerous conditions such as hidden tooth root infections and pocketing, broken roots, and impacted teeth.

Our skilled licensed veterinary technicians and veterinarians can provide a variety dental procedures including:

Periodontal (gum disease) treatments
Scaling and closed root planing (more advanced cleaning that removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the tooth roots below the gumline)
Perioceutics (placement of local antibiotics under the gumline to treat infection, promote gum healing, and decrease pocketing)
Gingivectomy (removal of diseased or excessive gum tissue)

Surgical Procedures

Tooth extractions (simple and surgical removal of diseased, fractured, or non-vital teeth)
Alveoplasty and suturing (smoothing bone and closing extraction sites for healing)
Operculectomy (surgical removal of gum tissue covering non-erupted teeth)
Biopsy and surgical removal of oral masses/tumors

If more advanced diagnostics and procedures are needed, referral to a board certified veterinary dental specialist is available.

Upon discharge, each pet’s oral exam and procedures are documented with high resolution photography and a full explanation of their procedure(s).