Comprehensive Pet Dental Care in Traverse City, MI
Dental health plays a vital role in your pet’s overall well-being. At Omnivet in Traverse City, MI, our dedicated dental suite is equipped with advanced technology, including dental X-rays, so we can diagnose and treat oral health problems with precision. From professional cleanings to necessary extractions, our team keeps your pet’s mouth healthy and pain-free.
Why Dental Care Matters
By age three, most dogs and cats show signs of periodontal disease. Plaque and tartar buildup lead to inflamed gums, infection, bone loss, and painful, loose teeth. Bacteria from the mouth can also affect the heart, liver, and kidneys. Because pets instinctively hide pain, many continue eating even with significant dental disease, so regular professional care is essential.
Signs of Dental Problems
- Bad breath
- Yellow or brown tartar on the teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Broken, loose, or discolored teeth
- Drooling or dropping food
- Chewing on one side or reluctance to eat
- Pawing at the mouth or facial swelling
What Happens During a Dental Procedure
Every dental visit begins with an oral exam. Professional cleanings are performed under general anesthesia, which allows us to clean thoroughly below the gumline, take accurate X-rays, and treat problems safely without causing your pet stress or pain. Before anesthesia, we recommend pre-anesthetic bloodwork, and your pet is monitored continuously throughout the procedure.
During the procedure, our team:
- Removes plaque and tartar above and below the gumline
- Polishes the teeth to slow future buildup
- Probes and charts every tooth
- Takes dental X-rays to find hidden problems such as root infections, bone loss, and resorptive lesions
- Treats or extracts damaged and diseased teeth
Extractions and Pain Management
When a tooth is fractured, infected, or badly damaged, extraction relieves pain and prevents further complications. We use local nerve blocks and pain medications before, during, and after the procedure. Most pets feel noticeably better once painful teeth are removed and quickly return to eating normally.
Home Dental Care
After your pet’s visit, we will recommend a home care routine that may include tooth brushing with pet toothpaste, veterinary-approved dental chews, water additives, or dental diets. Consistent home care helps extend the time between professional cleanings.
Schedule a Dental Evaluation
Dental emergencies such as broken teeth, facial swelling, or mouth injuries can be seen through our urgent care or walk-in appointments. For routine cleanings, call Omnivet at (231) 244-4860. We are open Monday through Friday from 9am to 7pm and Saturday from 10am to 6pm. See our full list of services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Dental Care
Why is dental care important for pets?
Untreated dental disease causes pain, tooth loss, and infections that can affect the heart, liver, and kidneys.
How often does my pet need a dental cleaning?
Most pets benefit from a professional cleaning about once a year, though some need more frequent care depending on breed and oral health.
Why does my pet need anesthesia for a cleaning?
Anesthesia allows us to clean below the gumline, take X-rays, and treat problems safely and without stress or pain.
Are dental X-rays necessary?
Yes. Many problems are hidden below the gumline, and dental X-rays let us find and treat them early.
Do extractions hurt my pet?
Extractions are done under anesthesia with nerve blocks and pain medication. Most pets feel better once painful teeth are removed.
What are signs my pet has dental disease?
Bad breath, tartar, red gums, drooling, difficulty eating, and pawing at the mouth are common signs.
How can I care for my pet’s teeth at home?
Brushing with pet toothpaste, dental chews, and veterinary-recommended diets or water additives help keep teeth healthy.