​Dentistry

Symptoms of Poor Oral Health

• Persistent bad breath
• Sensitivity around the mouth
• Pawing at the mouth
• Plaque (often not visible unless stained)
• Bleeding, inflamed or receded gums
• Tartar (creamy-brown, hard material)
• Loose or missing teeth
• Loss of appetite or difficulty eating and chewing food are rarely seen!

Did You Know?

• A Purdue University study has demonstrated a clear statistical link between gum disease and heart disease in dogs.
• The American Veterinary Dental Society reports that 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age three.
• Untreated periodontal disease can lead to chronic bacterial infection, which can damage your pet's kidneys, liver and heart.



Your Pet's Safe and Healthy Dental Cleaning
​at SNVH (continued)

• General anesthesia using a tailored protocol for your pet based on his or her specific needs.
• Thorough oral examination and charting of each individual tooth, periodontal pockets, and other structures.  All dental equipment is sterilized for your pet's protection.
• Intra-oral radiographs (X-rays of all teeth) to detect bone loss and periodontal disease long before it is visible above the gum line (60% of the tooth is below the gumline.).
• Ultrasonic scaling (supra- and subgingival) to remove plaque, calculus and infection.
• Polishing each tooth surface with human-grade, single use polish to reduce enamel loss and smooth the tooth surfaces to reduce plaque adherence.
• Fluoride treatment.
• OraVet or Sanos barrier sealant to the newly cleaned teeth.
• Full monitoring of oxygen level, EKG, etc. and a Credentialed Veterinary Technician assigned to your pet to facilitate a safe and uneventful anesthesia and recovery.

Happy teeth :)



Stratham-Newfields Veterinary Hospital offers the most advanced tools available to a veterinary dentist, including Digital Dental Radiographs.

SNVH uses the same technology modern human dentists use for superior imaging and diagnostics.

Periodontal Disease is one of the most prevalent problems seen by veterinarians and can have a serious impact on the quality of life and health of our pets.

Maxwell is not feeling very kissable, so time for an anesthetized oral exam, dental x-rays and cleaning!

Fortunately, most periodontal disease can be prevented by daily plaque removal and regular professional care. Stratham-Newfields Veterinary Hospital offers a number of treatments from routine dental cleaning to more complex procedures for your pets. The cost of these services varies based on size of the pet and the amount of time needed to properly clean and treat the teeth. We follow American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) guidelines for proper dental / periodontal treatment and care. Please read below to learn what is included in OUR safe and healthy dental cleanings.

Your Pet's Safe and Healthy Dental Cleaning
​at SNVH

• Pre-anesthetic examination to assess the health of your pet.
• Blood and urine tests to screen for organ health and function.
• Pre-anesthetic injection to reduce stress and begin pain control.
• Intravenous catheter to make administration of drugs less stressful and provide instant IV access in the event of a problem.
• Intravenous fluid therapy to support blood pressure and organ health.
• Intravenous antibiotic injection prior to the procedure when oral infection is present..
• A new, sterile tracheal tube, used only for your pet, to administer oxygen and anesthetic gas.  (Most places re-wash and reuse breathing tubes.)

Sad teeth :( with tooth resorption

Prevention of dental disease, including at home care and professional care, should be included as part of your pet's overall preventive medicine program, just like vaccinations. As with any other routine, it's best to begin a dental care program when pets are young puppies or kittens.