Dental Services for Pets
Veterinary dentistry, like human dentistry, includes the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the oral cavity. Our veterinary dentist offers specialized dental care for patients in Burlington. At our emergency and referral hospital, we can perform the following dental services for your pet to help protect and preserve their oral health:
- Annual Dental Exam
- Periodontics
- Oral Surgery (Extractions, Biopsies, Tumour Removal)
- Prosthodontics (Crown Therapy)
- Restorative Dentistry
- Endodontics (Root Canals)
- Orthodontics (Bite Correction)
- Fracture Repair
- Recommendations for Oral Health Care at home
Board-Certified Veterinary Dentistry Specialists
Dr. Lorraine Hiscox, DVM FAVD Dip. AVDC is present Monday to Thursday for referrals in dentistry.
A veterinary dentist plays a role in diagnosing and treating tumours and other oral diseases. This may involve obtaining a biopsy, computed tomography (CT scan), surgical excision of tumours by mandibulectomy or maxillectomy, or other advanced procedures. Dr. Hiscox will combine her expertise with that of certified radiologists, oncologists, internists, and other specialists to ensure the best care possible for her patients.
Treating Dental Diseases in Cats & Dogs
Oral and dental diseases are very common in companion and performance animals. Periodontal disease (gum disease) is the most common clinical condition in family pets. It causes bad breath, oral pain, behavioral changes such as reduced appetite, and may affect distant organs such as the kidneys, liver and heart.
In addition to periodontal disease, many other abnormalities can affect the mouth and teeth, such as broken teeth, orthodontic compromise, and oral tumours.
Specialized Dentistry FAQs
- What happens at your pets oral assessment?
An appointment at our Burlington veterinary hospital will include a complete oral assessment under anesthesia or heavy sedation, dental radiographs (X-rays), periodontal probing, dental scaling above and below the gums, and polishing. In cases of periodontal disease, fractures, tooth resorption or other abnormalities, the extraction of certain teeth or periodontal surgery may also be necessary.
For specific cases, Dr. Hiscox may offer alternatives, as well as provide advice about preventive home care.
- Do you offer oral surgical procedures?
Oral surgeries performed include extractions, treatment of jaw fracture and/or dislocation, cleft palate or oronasal communication (fistula) repair, rhinotomy, and surgery involving the temporomandibular joint (jaw), tongue and salivary glands.
- How do you diagnose dental disease?
Your veterinary dentist plays a role in the diagnosis and treating tumors and other oral diseases. This may involve obtaining a biopsy, computed tomography (CT scan), surgical excision of tumors by mandibulectomy or maxillectomy, or other advanced procedures.
Dr. Hiscox will combine her expertise with that of certified radiologists, oncologists, internists, and other specialists to ensure the best care possible for her patients
- Do you treat endodontic or pulp disease in pets?
Our team can provide diagnosis and treatment of endodontic and pulp diseases. These are diseases affecting the tooth’s internal tissues (the pulp) and periarticular tissues (at the end of the root), and are often the result of tooth fracture or trauma.
Alternatives to extractions offered are:
- Root canal treatment
- Vital pulpotomy
- Apicoectomy
- Reimplantation of avulsed teeth
- What are your tooth restoration options?
Treatment of abnormalities of the outer structure of the tooth is offered to our patients whenever possible, and composite restorations or crowns may be recommended in cases of abrasion, attrition, fracture or congenital malformation.
- Is there a way to better align my pets teeth?
If your pet's teeth are misaligned, we can provide orthodontic treatment options, including diagnosis and treatment of malocclusions, extraction of deciduous or permanent teeth, dental impressions and pulpotomy crown reductions. In some circumstances, passive orthodontic devices (eg. inclined plan) or active orthodontic devices (eg. elastic chains and buttons) are used.
