As a board-certified veterinary dentist, one of the most common—and most preventable—dental injuries I diagnose in dogs is the slab fracture, particularly of the maxillary (upper) 4th premolar. Despite how frequently these fractures occur, many pet owners have never heard the term until their dog...
When most pet owners think about dental disease, they picture bad breath, yellow teeth, or perhaps the need for a dental cleaning. While these are certainly visible signs, they are only the tip of the iceberg of a much more serious issue. As a board-certified...
Two major reasons why anesthesia is necessary for dogs and cats to receive professional dental care are safety and comfort. For humans, going to the dentist is rarely enjoyable, yet we recognize it as a vital part of maintaining both oral and overall health. Most dental...
At Animal Dental Care and Oral Surgery in Colorado Springs, Colorado, we frequently see dogs who appear healthy but are living with hidden dental problems. The only way to find these problems is most often under general anesthesia. Only then can we complete a thorough...
As a board-certified veterinary dentist, one of the most common things I hear from pet owners is, “But they’re still eating. How could they be in pain?” The truth is, our pets are experts at hiding discomfort, especially when it comes to their mouths. Understanding...
As a board-certified veterinary dentist, I often hear this question from caring pet parents: “Is my pet too old for anesthesia?” It’s a fair concern—especially if you share your home with a beloved senior dog or cat. The good news is that age alone doesn’t determine whether...
As a board-certified veterinary dentist, clients will sometimes ask this question before a pet’s dental procedure: “Does my pet really need bloodwork before anesthesia?” It’s an important question. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork for pets is one of the most vital steps we take to ensure safety before any dental...
Discover why not every lump or oral mass in pets is cancer. In this blog, I will explain common causes, diagnostics, and treatment options for oral masses in dogs and cats. Finding a lump or bump in your pet’s mouth can be scary. Many pet owners...
As a board-certified veterinary dentist at Animal Dental Care and Oral Surgery, I often explain to pet owners that one of the most important tools we use during dental exams isn’t just what you see on our cone beam CT (CBCT) scan or dental radiographs...
As a board-certified veterinary dentist at Animal Dental Care and Oral Surgery, I often meet pet owners who are surprised to learn just how much of an impact tartar buildup in pets can have on their health. Many people think tartar is simply a cosmetic...