If your dog is having a dental procedure, x-rays are necessary. Veterinarians use x-rays during every dental procedure to count the teeth, examine the crowns (visible part of the tooth), and assess the roots and any hidden issues beneath the gums. X-rays often reveal problems that wouldn't be apparent without them.

In puppies, it is important to monitor whether they are losing their baby teeth properly and if adult teeth are growing in correctly. For older dogs, common dental problems include fractures, tartar buildup, gingivitis, and periodontal disease, which can be quite serious for some dogs.

A healthy dog mouth has clean white teeth, calm pink gums without cuts or irritated areas, and relatively mild breath. Veterinarians also ensure that the dog has the normal number of teeth and that there are no extra teeth present.

During a dental exam, a veterinarian looks for several things such as tartar buildup on the teeth, gingivitis (redness or bleeding in the gums), visible tooth fractures, masses in the mouth, and any unusual odors. All these factors are assessed simultaneously to determine the overall oral health of the dog.

Definitely. Pain medications are given as part of the anesthesia protocol before the extractions are performed. If there is significant dental disease and pain, and additional treatments are necessary, dogs will receive both injections of pain medication during recovery and oral pain medication to take home. Follow-up appointments can be scheduled if you believe your dog is still experiencing discomfort, and adjustments to the medication may be made if needed.

Typically, the dental appointment will require your dog to stay at the facility for most of the day since the procedure is done under anesthesia. The actual dental cleaning process takes around 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the level of dental disease. If there are extractions, the appointment could take significantly longer.

Yes, all dentistry patients receive full mouth dental x-rays. This allows the veterinarian to examine any changes beneath the gum line that might not be visible during an oral exam. Dental x-rays can reveal issues that might not have been detected otherwise.

At home, you can help minimize the need for dental cleanings by brushing your dog's teeth and using products such as rinses and water additives. However, once your dog requires a dental cleaning, the best preparation is to schedule an appointment. The veterinarian will typically check your dog's blood work to ensure they are safe for anesthesia before the dental procedure. On the day of the appointment, follow the instructions provided, such as having your dog come in fasted.

Interpreting signs of pain in dogs can be challenging; however, some common symptoms include rubbing their face with their paws, rubbing their face on the ground, favoring one side of their mouth when chewing, or chewing more gingerly. Dogs might also act more lethargic or differently than usual, indicating potential oral pain caused by dental issues.

It is generally recommended to have a dental exam for your dog every 6 to 12 months as part of their regular physical. However, if your dog starts to show signs of a painful mouth such as pawing at their mouth, having difficulty chewing, or if their breath worsens significantly, it could indicate that they need a dental exam sooner.