Pet Dentistry in Lenexa, KS
Healthy teeth are essential to your pet’s overall health and comfort. At Mariposa Veterinary Wellness Center in Lenexa, KS, we provide thorough dental care for dogs, cats and exotic pets, including ultrasonic cleaning above and below the gum line, comprehensive dental charting, digital dental radiographs and extractions when needed.
Why Pet Dental Care Matters
Periodontal disease is the most common ailment found in dogs and cats over four years old. Plaque and tartar build up on the teeth and spread below the gum line, where bacteria damage the gums and the bone that supports each tooth. Left untreated, periodontal disease leads to pain and tooth loss, and the resulting bacteria can spread throughout the body and damage the heart, lungs, kidneys and liver. Many pets continue eating even with painful teeth, so regular dental exams are essential.
Signs Your Pet May Need Dental Care
- Bad breath
- Yellow or brown tartar on the teeth
- Red, swollen or bleeding gums
- Loose, broken or discolored teeth
- Chewing on one side, dropping food or reluctance to eat
- Pawing at the face or drooling
Our Professional Dental Cleaning Process
Regular professional cleaning is the most important step in maintaining your pet’s teeth. Following the standards of our AAHA-accredited hospital, every dental patient receives:
- A pre-anesthetic exam and, when indicated, blood work
- Safe anesthesia with intubation to protect the airway and continuous monitoring
- Ultrasonic scaling to thoroughly clean each tooth above and below the gum line
- Polishing to smooth the tooth surface and slow plaque buildup
- Comprehensive dental charting
- Digital dental radiographs to evaluate tooth roots and bone below the gum line
- Extractions of diseased or painful teeth when necessary
- Pain management before, during and after the procedure
Following dental work, laser therapy may be used to reduce inflammation and support healing of the gums and extraction sites.
Dental Care for Exotic Pets
Rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas and other rodents have continuously growing teeth that require special attention. Our exotic pet veterinarians examine the teeth at every visit and provide trims and treatment for rabbit and rodent dental disease.
At-Home Dental Care
Daily brushing with pet-safe toothpaste is the best way to slow plaque between professional cleanings. Our team can recommend appropriate chews, diets and products during nutritional counseling. Starting good habits during puppy and kitten care makes brushing easier for life, and regular exams during senior wellness visits help keep older pets comfortable.
Pet Dentistry FAQs
How often does my pet need a professional dental cleaning?
Most dogs and cats benefit from a professional cleaning every one to two years, though some pets need more frequent care. We will recommend a schedule based on your pet’s oral exam.
Why is anesthesia needed for pet dental cleanings?
Anesthesia allows us to safely clean below the gum line, take dental radiographs and treat painful teeth. Every patient is intubated and monitored throughout the procedure.
Are anesthesia-free dental cleanings effective?
Anesthesia-free cleanings only remove visible tartar and cannot clean below the gum line, where periodontal disease does the most damage, or allow dental radiographs.
Why are dental x-rays important?
Much of each tooth lies below the gum line. Digital dental radiographs reveal root infections, bone loss and other problems that cannot be seen during a visual exam.
Will my pet be in pain after extractions?
We provide pain management before, during and after dental procedures. Most pets recover quickly and feel better once painful teeth are treated.
How can I care for my pet’s teeth at home?
Daily tooth brushing with pet-safe toothpaste is the gold standard. Dental chews and appropriate diets can also help between professional cleanings.
Is bad breath a sign of dental disease?
Yes. Persistent bad breath is one of the most common signs of periodontal disease and should be evaluated.
Schedule Your Pet’s Dental Care
Protect your pet from painful dental disease. Call (913) 825-3330 or request a dental appointment with Mariposa Veterinary Wellness Center today.