Comprehensive Pet Dental Care in Montclair, NJ
At Cameron Animal Hospital, we know that a pet’s smile isn’t just adorable—it’s a window into their overall health. Dental care is a critical part of your pet’s wellness, helping to prevent pain, illness, and future health complications. Our pets thrive when they have strong, healthy teeth, fresh breath, and a comfortable mouth, which is why we’re here to provide compassionate, expert dental care at every stage of their life.
Does your pet’s foul breath have you turning away? If so, it’s time to schedule an oral exam and teeth cleaning with our team!
Our Pet Dental Services
Our team is well-equipped to handle a range of dental care needs, from routine cleanings to specialized treatments. We approach each pet’s dental health with the same gentle, personalized care you expect for the rest of their health needs, offering:
Oral Exams
A thorough, professional oral exam will assess the presence of gingivitis, calculus (tarter), infected or damaged teeth, oral pain, or other dental or oral disease. It is critical for the development of a personalized plan for your pet's oral health and dental care, whether that is at home care, a dental cleaning, dental extractions, or other treatment. Each pet's mouth is as unique as they are and needs an individual plan.
Routine Dental Cleanings
Professional teeth cleanings involve scaling and polishing your pet's teeth, just like at a human dentist, allow us to remove harmful plaque and tartar from your pet’s teeth, both above and below the gumline. This reduces, reducing their risk of gum disease and keeping helps to keep their mouth infection- and pain-free.
Digital Dental X-Rays
Many dental issues hide below the surface, making X-rays essential for catching hidden infections, root fragments,, or jaw issues early. These images help us provide the right treatments for long-term health and comfort.
Tooth Extractions
For removal of teeth that are infected, broken or damaged, decayed, or causing discomfort, extractions can make a world of difference for your pet's overall health, preventing systemic infection, chronic pain, reduced appetite, and more. We are able to perform extractions ranging from simple single teeth, to complex full mouth extractions, as needed, in patients of all species, breeds, and ages. We ensure all dental procedures are as pain free as possible by utilizing multiple forms of pain relief, including local nerve blocks, systemic anti-inflammatories, and systemic pain medications, as appropriate.
Feline Stomatitis
We have extensive experience managing feline stomatitis, a painful immune-mediated condition causing severe inflammation and secondary infection of the oral tissue in some cats. We perform a full physical and diagnostic evaluation, including assessment of any co-infections of viruses or bacteria that may be contributing to the condition. We offer multiple medical and surgical treatment options, based on what is best for you and your feline companion.
Fractured Jaw Repair
While severe jaw fractures require a specialist, we can handle minor cases to give your pet relief and get them back to their happy, healthy self.
Oronasal Fistula Treatment
In certain cases, we can treat these openings between the mouth and nasal cavity, which often develop due to advanced dental disease, bringing your pet relief and restoring their quality of life.
Other Dental & Oral Diseases
We have experience treating a variety of other oral conditions, including healthy broken teeth, oral injuries, high rise syndrome, oral cancers and more. However, if the condition identified requires advanced care, we have referral connections to everyone from board certified veterinary dentists, to internal medicine specialists, to oncologists, as appropriate.
Why Pet Dental Health is So Important
Poor dental health doesn’t just impact your pet’s mouth; it can lead to broader health issues that affect their entire body. Untreated dental disease can cause pain, infections, and even impact your pet’s heart, liver, and kidneys over time. Regular dental care helps us prevent these complications, allowing your pet to enjoy their meals, toys, and all the love you give them without discomfort.
How Often Should Pets Receive Dental Care?
Every pet is different, and their dental needs depend on factors like age, diet, and breed. However, here’s a general guide for dental care:
Regular Dental Checkups
During your pet’s annual wellness visits, we’ll examine their mouth to see if any dental care is needed and make recommendations to keep their smile healthy. If you ever notice a bad smell from your pet's mouth, or that they seem painful, are struggling to eat, dropping food, or refusing to chew toys or dental chews that they used to enjoy, you should schedule an exam to determine whether there is an underlying cause.
At-Home Dental Care
At home dental care can take a variety of forms, and at your pet's wellness exam, we can discuss the best options for your and your pet. Brushing your pet’s teeth regularly can make a big difference in their oral health, and we can offer tips and products to make this process as smooth as possible for both of you. But we do recognize that some pets just won't safely cooperate with brushing, and that doesn't mean you need to give up on home dental care- there are other options, ranging from dental chews, to dental toys, and more, for both dogs and cats, that can help to maintain and improve their dental and oral health.
Routine Teeth Cleanings
While some pets may never need a dental cleaning during their lifetime, other pets may need cleanings several times during their lifetime, while still others will benefit significantly from annual cleanings. Small breed dogs in particular tend to need more frequent cleanings. Cleanings to prevent plaque buildup and keep gum disease at bay - at appropriate times for your pet- before significant dental disease has developed, protects your pet's oral health, helps to avoid the need for extensive extractions, and helps ensure their overall wellbeing. Some pets, especially smaller breeds or those with resorptive disease, may need more frequent cleanings.
It is important to know that it is never too late to start caring for your pet's oral health. No matter the severity of their dental disease, or even their age, caring for their mouth will ensure they will live an even longer, healthier, happier life, and we are here to help you.
Compassionate Dental Care for Lifelong Health
When your pet visits Cameron Animal Hospital for dental care, you can trust they’re in experienced, caring hands. We know that dental procedures can feel daunting, so our team prioritizes your pet’s comfort, walking you through each step of their care. From their first puppy or kitten exam to senior care, we’re here to keep those tails wagging and smiles bright every day of your pet’s life.