Advanced Pet Dental Care in Olathe & Overland Park, KS
Dental & Oral Health
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Essential Pet Dental Care for a Longer, Healthier Life
Pet Dental Care in
Olathe & Overland Park, KS
Keeping your pet’s smile — and whole body — healthy!
Just like humans, pets need regular dental care to prevent painful oral problems and protect their overall health. At Bradford Pet Hospital, we provide comprehensive veterinary dental services to keep your dog or cat’s teeth clean, gums healthy, and mouth pain-free.
Poor oral hygiene can lead to periodontal disease, one of the most common conditions in pets, which can cause bad breath, loose teeth, difficulty eating, and even serious health issues like heart, liver, or kidney disease. The good news? Most of these problems are preventable with routine professional care.
Why Pet Dental Health Matters
- Prevents pain – Hidden dental disease can be extremely painful for pets, even if they show no obvious symptoms.
- Protects internal organs – Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and cause damage to the heart, kidneys, and liver.
- Prevents tooth loss – Periodontal disease weakens the tissues and bone supporting the teeth, leading to unnecessary extractions.
- Improves quality of life – Addressing dental pain and infection can significantly boost your pet's energy, appetite, and overall well-being.
- Freshens breath – Say goodbye to “doggy breath” or “fishy breath” in cats.
Services
Our Veterinary Dental Services
Dental care is vital to your pet’s overall well-being—not just a cosmetic concern. We take dentistry seriously, using thorough oral exams and digital X-rays to accurately detect issues like periodontal disease and tooth decay. By addressing oral health proactively, we can prevent serious complications (including pain and potential heart or kidney disease) and significantly improve your pet’s overall health and lifespan.
Comprehensive Oral Exams
- Thorough visual inspection of teeth, gums, and oral tissues
- Assessment for plaque, tartar, fractured teeth, oral masses, and gum disease
- Discussion of any signs of pain, bad breath, or difficulty chewing
Digital Dental X-Rays
- Performed under anesthesia for safety and thoroughness
- Detects issues below the gumline that can’t be seen with the naked eye
- Identifies bone loss, abscesses, and hidden fractures
Professional Dental Cleaning
- Ultrasonic scaling to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gumline
- Polishing to smooth tooth surfaces and slow future buildup
- Cold laser therapy on gumline to reduce inflammation
Treatment & Oral Surgery
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Tooth extractions for severely damaged or infected teeth
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Gingival hyperplasia treatment (overgrown gums)
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Biopsies of oral masses for early detection of cancer or other issues
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Pain management before, during, and after the procedure
At-Home Dental Care Tips
Pet dental health is critical because problems in the mouth directly impact the rest of the body. While professional cleanings are essential, your efforts at home are just as important.
We are partners in your pet’s oral health.
Brush Daily: Use a pet-specific toothbrush and paste (never human toothpaste). Daily brushing is the best way to remove plaque.
Dental Chews: Supplement brushing with VOHC-accepted dental chews or dental diets to help control tartar buildup.
Check Their Mouth: Periodically look for signs of trouble, such as red gums, broken teeth, or persistent bad breath.
Routine Exams: Ensure your pet gets a thorough oral exam by scheduling annual or semi-annual wellness visits.
What to Expect at Your Pet's Dental Cleaning
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Dental Care
How often should my pet have a dental cleaning?
Most veterinarians recommend annual dental cleanings for adult pets starting at age 2-3. However, some pets may need cleanings every 6 months, especially smaller breeds prone to dental disease. During your pet’s wellness exam at Bradford Pet Hospital, we’ll assess their specific needs and help you create a personalized dental care schedule.
Is anesthesia safe for my pet?
Anesthesia safety is our top priority. We start by performing a thorough assessment to ensure your pet is a good candidate for surgery. We then utilize pre-anesthetic testing and modern monitoring equipment to customize the protocol for your pet’s specific health needs, ensuring the safest experience possible.
What are signs my pet may have dental disease?
Many pets hide dental pain extremely well, making regular checks important! Call to schedule an evaluation if you notice any of these common signs of oral disease:
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Drooling or pawing at the mouth
- Difficulty chewing or changes in eating habits
- Loose, broken, or missing teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Visible brown or yellow tartar buildup
Can’t I just brush my pet’s teeth instead of a professional cleaning?
Just like in humans – Daily brushing is essential, but it can’t replace professional care. A professional cleaning allows us to safely remove tartar, and to assess and treat dental disease that hides below the gumline using digital X-rays. This is where painful and damaging periodontal disease occurs, and it is impossible to see or treat while your pet is awake.
Do cats need dental care, too?
Absolutely, yes! Cats are just as susceptible to dental disease as dogs, and often hide the pain even better. In fact, many cats suffer from a painful condition called tooth resorption, where the tooth structure breaks down from the inside out. Regular professional cleanings are essential for keeping your cat pain-free and healthy.
Do you offer teeth cleaning during grooming?
No, we do not offer teeth brushing during grooming appointments. Think of it this way: Imagine having your hairdresser brush your teeth once every 6-8 weeks! While light brushing is a great part of at-home care, a true cleaning is a medical procedure. It must be performed under anesthesia to safely and effectively remove tartar and disease from below the gumline, which is impossible to do while your pet is awake.
At what age should I start dental care for my puppy or kitten?
Start early! The best time to begin is when they are 8 to 16 weeks old. Even though they still have baby teeth, this is when you can easily establish a routine. Use a soft finger brush or gauze and pet-specific toothpaste to get them used to it. This early training makes brushing and future oral exams much easier as they grow.
Do dental chews and toys really help prevent tartar buildup in dogs and cats?
They can be a great supplement, but not a replacement for brushing or professional cleanings! Veterinary-approved dental chews, diets, and toys (look for the VOHC seal) help physically scrub the surface of the teeth to slow down plaque and tartar buildup. However, they will only be effective if used as an addition to a consistent care routine.
What if my pet needs extractions?
If the veterinarian identifies a need for any extractions or discovers further issues, we will call you directly while your pet is under anesthesia, unless pre-approved. They will discuss the findings and explain the necessary or recommended treatment. It is important to stay by the phone on surgery day so we can secure your verbal approval before proceeding with any irreversible treatment, like an extraction.
How much do extractions cost?
Extraction costs can vary widely based on the specific tooth and the difficulty of removal. We cannot provide an accurate estimate until after your pet’s full oral exam and digital X-rays are complete. Since we call you directly during the procedure to discuss any extractions, it is critical to stay by the phone on surgery day so we can secure your verbal approval before proceeding with any irreversible treatment.
About Our Veterinary Care
Schedule Your Pet’s Dental Exam Today
Our dental services go beyond prevention. We offer a range of treatments to address existing dental problems, including diseased teeth, overgrown gums (gingival hyperplasia), and even oral masses. Our skilled veterinarians can perform procedures like tooth extractions and biopsies to ensure your pet’s oral health is restored. With our expertise and modern equipment, you can trust that your furry family members are receiving the highest standard of dental care at Bradford Pet Hospital.
Don’t wait until there’s a problem. Schedule a consultation appointment today! Together, we can help your pet maintain a healthy mouth for a lifetime.
