Dentistry

Pet Dentistry

Surgery

Pet Surgeries

Internal Medicine

internal-medicine

Wellness Care

wellness-care-and-vaccination

Dentistry

parts of the tooth

Dental health encompasses more than just teeth cleaning. We offer a thorough and proactive approach to veterinary dentistry.

Dental health starts in puppy or kittenhood with an assessment of dental occlusion, or “bite”. The orientation and shape of the upper and lower jaws, and the resulting effect on tooth position, has great impact on dental health.  A simple procedure like removing a crowded or malpositioned tooth can have a lasting benefit on future dental health.  With proper assessment and planning, any necessary dental intervention can be performed at the time of spay or neuter, without the need for an additional anesthetic procedure.  To encourage proactive dental intervention, we recommend a dental exam prior to juvenile spaying and neutering.  This complimentary “teeth check” visit allows us to assess the newly erupted dentition and review our recommendations with the pet owner prior to the surgery day.

As a pet enters young adulthood, the focus is still on prevention.  It is best to be proactive while the pet is young and the mouth is healthy.  Waiting until the teeth are “dirty” is a reactive approach that results in disease.  You can’t prevent disease that is already established!  Preventive dental care involves three parties: the owner, the veterinarian, and the pet. 

Chew on This
Dogs love to chew.  Chewing or gnawing on appropriate objects helps remove plaque from teeth in the rear of the mouth, far away from the reach of toothbrushes--areas that are invisible even during a careful visual exam.  Not all “chew toys” are safe, though.  See here for more information about safe chew objects.

Moms and Dads are Part of the Equation
Also important is home dental care performed by the owner.  Tooth brushing is one of the single most beneficial things a pet owner can do for a pet.  And since it is nearly free, the cost/benefit analysis makes it a “no-brainer”!  In spite of this, pet owners dread the thought of brushing a pet’s teeth.  Many struggle and wrestle to brush, then give up in defeat.  It is not difficult at all, however, if one takes the time to acclimate the pet to brushing.  A gradual introduction accompanied by rewards usually yields a successful pet-owner tooth brushing team.  Click here for more information on tooth brushing.

It’s More than just “Teeth Cleaning"
Finally, professional examination and cleaning is essential to long term dental health.  Even diligent home care misses important areas of the mouth.   Since visual exams frequently miss disease that is hiding under the gum, periodic detailed exams and x-rays under anesthesia are essential to detect early reversible stages of disease.  This exam gives the veterinarian full access to every tooth.  Each tooth is thoroughly examined and compared to the dental x-ray.  Cleaning and polishing of the teeth is important to prevent accumulations of calculus (tartar) from becoming established periodontal disease, and is typically done at the same visit.  Click here for more information about professional dental exams and cleaning.

Because we believe so strongly in proactive dentistry, Heekin Animal Hospital has a discount program for pet owners who want to keep their pet’s mouth healthy.  Dental Dollars are earned simply by being a young dog or cat, and are applied to a dental cleaning and exam performed before 3 years of age.  Older pets earn Dental Dollars with their first dental cleaning and exam.  The Dental Dollar discount is applied to a subsequent dental cleaning within 18 months.  In addition, our dental patients earn discounts on dental products for any pet in their household for the next 12 months. 

More Questions?  Check out our Dental FAQ.

 

 

 

 

Important Updates

Rogers Pet Health Tips

We are happy to welcome clients back in the building at a limited capacity. In order to maintain the health and safety of our clients and staff, the following protocols will be in effect:

- Due to the inability to social distance, all individuals entering the building will be required to wear a mask covering the nose and mouth, regardless of vaccination status.

- One person per appointment will be allowed to enter the building for scheduled wellness and sick appointments. The only exception will be for euthanasia appointments.

- Clients will call to check in and will be invited in once an exam room is ready.

- Clients will remain in the exam rooms and will not have access to the treatment area.

- All appointments not requiring the doctor will be seen as curbside (nail trims, anal glands, labwork etc.)

- Clients picking up medication, food, etc should follow curbside protocol.

- Curbside appointments will still be offered to those who prefer this service, or for those who are unable to meet the above requirements.

                                         - Please keep in mind that medications are taking longer to receive from our distributer. Please do not wait until you are out of medication to request a refill.

                                                       - Pharmacies may be overwhelmed right now. While we will call/fax in requested prescriptions right away, the pharmacy may not be able to fill them as quickly. We recommend calling them first to make sure the prescription is ready.

We want to keep everyone safe, therefore these policies are non-negotiable.  Please be patient with us as we adjust to these new procedures. There will be a learning curve for all of us and we need to work together to ensure the best quality care for your pets. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

*** We will be observing special holiday hours over the next two weeks. The office will be closed on Chrismtas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. We will close at noon on New Year's Eve.