Pet Oral Medicine in Beaverton, OR
Oral health problems in pets can be serious, and many owners don’t realize their pets need dental care too. At Premier Pet Dentistry, our oral medicine service diagnoses and treats the many diseases — beyond periodontal disease — that affect your pet’s mouth, from painful inflammation to oral masses and the oral effects of systemic illness.
Diseases That Affect the Mouth
Many diseases other than periodontal disease can affect the oral cavity, leading to oral inflammation, tumors, autoimmune disease, and more. It is important to treat them quickly before they cause further harm. Conditions managed through our oral medicine service include:
- Feline stomatitis — severe, painful oral inflammation in cats
- Chronic ulcerative stomatitis (CCUS) in dogs
- Oral masses and tumors, including biopsy and diagnosis
- Autoimmune diseases affecting the gums and oral tissues
- Oral manifestations of systemic disease
Systemic Disease and Your Pet’s Mouth
There are many muscles, nerves, soft tissues, and glands around the oral cavity that can be affected by disease. Many systemic diseases and treatments show up right in the mouth, including diabetes, kidney failure, and endocrine disease. Recognizing these signs helps us and your primary veterinarian provide better overall care.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Dr. Rebecca Martin identifies these diseases and treats them, often using oral medicine as part of the plan. She carefully matches the right medication to your pet’s needs. Diagnosis may include an oral exam under anesthesia, dental x-rays, biopsy, and histopathology. When surgery is needed, such as tumor removal or extractions for stomatitis, we provide it through our oral surgery service, and we coordinate with your primary veterinarian on any related medical care.
If you have questions during or after your visit, you are always welcome to ask. Learn more about tooth resorption, periodontal disease, our periodontics and endodontics services, all dental services, or our FAQs.
Pet Oral Medicine FAQs
What is veterinary oral medicine?
Oral medicine focuses on diseases of the mouth other than routine periodontal disease, including stomatitis, oral masses, autoimmune disease, and oral signs of systemic illness.
Can systemic diseases cause mouth problems in pets?
Yes. Diabetes, kidney failure, and endocrine disease are examples of conditions that can cause changes in the mouth.
How are oral masses diagnosed?
Oral masses are diagnosed with an exam under anesthesia, x-rays, and a biopsy examined by a pathologist.
What is CCUS in dogs?
Chronic ulcerative stomatitis (CCUS) is a painful inflammatory condition causing ulcers where the gums and cheeks contact tooth surfaces. Treatment often combines periodontal care, medications, and sometimes extractions.
Can stomatitis be treated with medication alone?
Medication can provide relief, but long-term control usually requires removing the teeth that trigger the inflammation.
Will you work with my primary veterinarian?
Yes. We coordinate closely with your primary veterinarian, particularly when oral signs are related to systemic disease.
Get Answers About Your Pet’s Oral Health
If you have any questions about oral medicine or oral diseases, or would like to schedule an appointment, contact Premier Pet Dentistry today at 503-PREMIER ((503) 773-6437).