Pet Dental Care in Summit, NJ
Dental cleanings, oral exams, dental X rays and extractions for dogs and cats.
Gum Disease in Dogs and Cats
Periodontal disease is one of the most common health problems in adult dogs and cats. Most dogs and cats show some evidence of periodontal disease by age 3, according to the American Veterinary Dental College, as cited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). It starts with plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth after every meal. Within a few days, plaque hardens into tartar, which pushes under the gumline and inflames the gums. Left untreated, the infection damages the tissue and bone that hold teeth in place, causing pain, loose teeth and tooth loss. Cats can also develop tooth resorption, a painful condition that is often visible only on dental X rays.
Signs of Dental Disease in Pets
Dogs and cats hide pain well, and many keep eating even with an infected tooth. Call us to schedule a dental exam if you notice any of these signs:
- Broken or loose teeth
- Chewing on one side or dropping food
- Bad breath that does not go away
- Blood in the drool or on chew toys
- Red, swollen or bleeding gums
- Brown or yellow tartar on the teeth
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Weight loss or loss of appetite
Why Untreated Periodontal Disease Is Dangerous
Untreated periodontal disease causes ongoing pain and can lead to tooth root abscesses, jaw bone loss and, in small dogs, jaw fractures. Bacteria from infected gums can also enter the bloodstream, and advanced dental disease has been linked to problems with the heart, liver and kidneys. Professional cleanings and daily care at home are the best way to prevent it.
Pet Dental Cleanings in Summit, NJ
Summit Dog and Cat Hospital checks your pet’s teeth at every wellness visit, starting with the first puppy or kitten exam, and recommends a dental exam at least once a year. When a cleaning is needed, it is done under general anesthesia, the only safe way to clean below the gumline where disease starts. Every patient has bloodwork first, and a technician monitors breathing, heart rate and temperature throughout.
Each cleaning includes a full oral exam and periodontal assessment, dental X rays when indicated, scaling to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gumline, and polishing to smooth the tooth surface. If a tooth is broken, infected or loose, the veterinarian extracts it only when it is medically necessary.
Between cleanings, brushing with a pet safe toothpaste and offering dental chews can slow plaque buildup. Never use human toothpaste, which can contain xylitol and other ingredients that are unsafe for pets.
To schedule a dental exam or cleaning, call us at (908) 273-2200 today.
Pet Dental Cleaning Near Summit, NJ
Families from Summit and nearby towns such as Short Hills, Millburn and Springfield bring their dogs and cats to us for dental care, and our hospital on Morris Turnpike is a short drive from each.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about your pet's dental care.
Where can I get my dog's teeth cleaned near Summit, NJ?
Summit Dog and Cat Hospital offers professional dog and cat dental cleanings at 16 Morris Turnpike in Summit, NJ, on the Summit and Short Hills border. Each cleaning is done under monitored anesthesia and includes an oral exam, dental X rays when indicated, scaling and polishing. Call (908) 273-2200 to book.
Does my dog need anesthesia for a dental cleaning?
Yes. Anesthesia is the only way to clean safely below the gumline, where periodontal disease starts, and to take dental X rays. Anesthesia free cleanings only scrape visible tartar and can hide disease underneath. Your pet has bloodwork first, and a technician monitors vital signs throughout the procedure.
Does Summit Dog and Cat Hospital perform dental extractions?
Yes. When a tooth is broken, infected, loose or affected by tooth resorption, the veterinarian can extract it during the dental procedure. Extractions are done only when medically necessary, with pain control during and after the procedure, and you receive written home care instructions.
What are signs that my cat or dog may have dental disease?
Common signs include bad breath, red or bleeding gums, brown tartar, broken or loose teeth, chewing on one side, dropping food, pawing at the mouth and weight loss. Cats often hide dental pain completely, so a yearly oral exam is the most reliable way to find problems early.
How often should my pet have a dental cleaning?
Most dogs and cats should have a dental exam at least once a year, and the veterinarian will recommend a cleaning based on what the exam shows. Small breed dogs and pets with a history of dental disease often need cleanings more frequently than large dogs.
Location & hours
Find us on
Morris Turnpike.
Open now until 6:00 pm
Office hours
Monday
8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Tuesday
8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Thursday
8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Friday
8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday
8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Sunday
Closed
16 Morris Tpke, Summit, NJ 07901
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Looking for a veterinarian near you?
Schedule an appointment with our veterinarians at Summit Dog and Cat Hospital today. Call us to learn more about our services and how we can help keep your pet healthy and happy.