Dentistry

Dental disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs and cats, with 80% of dogs over the age of 3 suffering. It is often a hidden disease - unless you lift your pet's lips to look you may not be aware of it. Dogs and cats will hide the signs of discomfort until it has progressed to an irreversible stage. As well as the discomfort caused by dental disease it also has an impact on your pet's general quality of life as the ongoing infections can result in secondary liver, kidney and heart disease.

We are proud to offer a range of dental services, from routine dental care to accepting referrals from other practices for advanced procedures such as root canal therapy.

Don't forget to check out our Pet Health Club. As well as savings on vaccinations, worming and free treatment you will also get a 10% discount off any dental treatments including toothpastes, dental diets and chews as well as professional treatments at the surgery

Dental Disease

After a meal a bacterial film called plaque forms on teeth. If not removed by brushing or other means this will turn into tartar (calculus) within 3-4 days. The tartar can not be removed by brushing and will lead to gingivitis, irritation of the gums, which can be seen as a thin red line above the tooth. In time the tartar will build under the gum leading to pockets of infection that attack the tooth root. Once this has occured the tooth has periodontitis. This causes pain and bad breath and can lead to abscesses and loss of the tooth.

Prevention is better than cure! We stock a range of dental care products to help you care for your pets teeth at home. Our nurses are happy to advise you on the best homecare program for your pet. You can book an appointment to discuss this. If you have a new pet you can learn about it during a kitten or puppy chat or at one of our puppy parties. Daily brushing is the most effective means of keeping teeth healthy but we also stock a range of other aids such as dental diets and chews.

Once the plaque has turned to tartar then brushing can no longer remove it.. Gingivitis will be seen as a thin red line in the gum next to the tooth, indicating that infection is present under the gum line. This can be reversed by profesional descaling and polishing to avoid disease progressing

If left untreated the infeciton will spead from the gums into the tooth roots causing periodontitis. This is an irreversible disease and, once it is present then removal of the tooth is the only treatment. As well as causing pain in the mouth (and smelly breath!) ongoing infection affects your pet's general health, making them feel unwell and increasing the risk of serious complications such as kidney and heart disease.

Advanced procedures

As well as the standard dental treatments carried out in normal veterinary practices we are pleased to be able to offer more advanced procedures both to our own clients and as referrals from other practices. Charles Thursby-Pelham has a special interest in dentistry and is on the British Veterinary Dental Association register of practitioners who accept referrals from other veterinary surgeons. He is able to perform procedures such as root canal therapy and restorations on teeth that would otherwise require extraction.

If you feel that your pet may benefit from treatment then please contact us. Clients registered with another practice shouid speak to their normal veterinary surgeon who can arrange referral to us if required.

North Road Veterinary Centre Telephone 01761 412132 Fax 01761 411660
Appointments Mon-Fri 8.30am - 7.00pm Sat 9.00am - 12.00pm
53 North Road Midsomer Norton Radstock Somerset BA3 2QE

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