The hidden pain of dental disease
Our new dental equipment has already served to make the mouths of many kitties more comfortable! In utilising the tool of digital dental x-ray to examine teeth below the gum line we are able to detect tooth disease that may be “hidden” during a routine examination. It is estimated that up to 50% of dental disease exists below the gum line, so being able to detect these changes certainly results in a more thorough treatment plan.
Many of our cat parents have been astonished when we show them the x-rays we have taken of tooth disease in their fur babies that they were not aware existed. As cats are masters at hiding pain, most of these patients had still been eating and drinking reasonably normally, but surely can’t have been comfortable!
Dental disease can be a major source of pain and discomfort in our feline friends and this can often result in an unwillingness to eat, weight loss, a decreased interest in grooming, and other serious health concerns. If you have noticed any of these signs or maybe feel that your kitty has (ehem) “nasty” smelling breath then it may be time for a dental exam. Whilst we can often obtain a partial picture of dental disease during a physical exam, a general anaesthetic is required to assess the mouth more adequately. With the addition of dental x-rays and thorough gum probing, we can determine the presence of tooth disease and then proceed to treating any areas of concern. A full scale and polish is conducted during this procedure so your kitty will be flashing those pearly whites again in no time!
For more detailed information, please click on the links to our pages on “Dental Treatment and Prevention” and “Feline Tooth Resorptive Lesions” below:
Dental management at home
Feline Tooth Resorption Lesions
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