Dental Services
At Litchfield Veterinary Hospital, we know that dental health is a vital part of your pet’s overall well-being.
Digital Dental Radiology & Professional Dental Care for Pets
Did you know that dental disease is the most common disease in cats and dogs? Just like people, pets can suffer from painful dental conditions that may lead to infection, tooth loss, and serious health problems if left untreated. Because pets rarely show obvious signs of oral pain, regular dental exams and professional cleanings are essential for their health and comfort.
Why Dental Care Matters
Plaque and tartar buildup on your pet’s teeth is more than just bad breath — it’s a source of painful infection that can progress to advanced periodontal disease. Once tartar is present, brushing alone cannot resolve the issue and may even cause discomfort. Professional veterinary dental care is necessary to clean both above and below the gumline and address hidden problems.
Signs Your Pet May Need Dental Care
Even if your pet is still eating normally, they may be hiding significant oral pain. Signs can include:
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Yellow or brown tartar on teeth
- Red or bleeding gums
- Dropping food, chewing on one side, or avoiding hard food
- Pawing at the mouth or facial swelling
Comprehensive Dental Cleaning (Prophylaxis)
At Litchfield Veterinary Hospital, pets undergoing dental procedures are placed under anesthesia to ensure a safe, thorough, and pain-free cleaning. During a professional dental cleaning, we provide:
- Ultrasonic scaling to remove tartar above and below the gumline
- Tooth polishing to smooth the enamel and slow plaque buildup
- Irrigation with an antibacterial rinse
- Application of fluoride and dental sealants for added protection
- Digital dental X-rays to evaluate teeth below the gumline and assess hidden disease
If diseased or damaged teeth are identified, oral surgery may be recommended. Whenever possible, our doctors work to preserve teeth, but in cases where a tooth is severely compromised, surgical extraction is the healthiest option.
Advanced Dental Imaging
Our hospital uses the same high-quality digital dental X-ray technology found in human dentistry. Radiographs allow us to evaluate the health of tooth roots, bone, and enamel — areas not visible during a routine exam. This ensures no painful or hidden problems go untreated.
Common Concerns About Extractions
Many pet owners worry about how their pets will eat after tooth removal. In reality, removing diseased teeth often improves appetite and comfort, since pain and infection are eliminated. Pets adapt quickly — even with fewer teeth — and often become noticeably happier and more active after treatment.
At-Home Prevention
The best way to prevent dental disease is through daily tooth brushing combined with regular veterinary dental cleanings. While hard kibble and treats are often thought to help, they are not an effective substitute for brushing or professional cleanings.
Lifelong Dental Health
Dental care is essential for maintaining your pet’s overall health, comfort, and longevity. Pets are never too old to benefit from treating pain and infection — many families notice their pets acting younger and more playful after dental disease is addressed.
At Litchfield Veterinary Hospital, we are committed to helping your pet live a pain-free life. Ask our team about a dental evaluation and prevention plan today.