Pet Periodontics in Beaverton, OR
Periodontal disease is the most common clinical problem in adult dogs and cats. Even though it is preventable, most pets already have some form of it by three years of age. At Premier Pet Dentistry, our periodontics service treats gum and bone disease at every stage to relieve pain, control infection, and preserve your pet’s teeth.
How Periodontal Disease Develops
Periodontal disease starts when bacteria in your pet’s mouth form plaque that sticks to the tooth surface. Minerals in saliva harden plaque into tartar, which attaches firmly to the teeth. The disease begins as gingivitis and can quickly worsen as bacteria move below the gumline, destroying the ligament and bone that support each tooth. That’s why it is important to have your pet’s mouth checked regularly. Learn more on our periodontal disease page.
If you notice bad breath, your pet is most likely experiencing problems in the mouth and should be evaluated by a trained, qualified veterinary dental team.
Why Periodontal Treatment Matters
Periodontal disease is typically under-treated and can cause problems beyond the mouth. Many studies have associated it with microscopic changes in the heart, liver, and kidneys. Advanced disease can also lead to tooth loss, oronasal fistulas, and even jaw fractures in small dogs. Acting quickly and keeping up with regular cleanings protects your pet’s comfort and overall health.
Our Periodontal Services
- Comprehensive oral exam and full-mouth dental x-rays under anesthesia
- Professional cleaning and polishing above and below the gumline
- Periodontal charting to measure pocket depth and bone loss
- Root planing and local antibiotic therapy for deep pockets
- Periodontal surgery and bone grafting to support valuable teeth
- Surgical extraction through our oral surgery service when a tooth cannot be saved
Partnering With Your Veterinarian
If your pet has a wellness plan that includes a dental cleaning, we can coordinate with your primary veterinarian using a staged approach. Periodontal care is often combined with treatment for tooth resorption, fractured teeth, and retained baby teeth. Explore our full dental services, including endodontics and oral medicine, or read our FAQs.
Pet Periodontics FAQs
What is pet periodontics?
Periodontics is the branch of veterinary dentistry that treats the gums, periodontal ligament, and bone supporting the teeth, including professional cleanings and treatment of periodontal disease.
How do I know if my pet has periodontal disease?
Common signs include bad breath, red or bleeding gums, tartar buildup, loose teeth, and changes in chewing. Many signs are hidden below the gumline and require dental x-rays to detect.
Why does my pet need anesthesia for a cleaning?
Anesthesia allows us to clean below the gumline, measure pockets, and take dental x-rays safely and thoroughly, which cannot be done on an awake pet.
Can periodontal disease damage my pet’s organs?
Studies have associated periodontal disease with microscopic changes in the heart, liver, and kidneys, which is why prompt treatment is important.
Can teeth with bone loss be saved?
Sometimes. Root planing, periodontal surgery, and bone grafting can help preserve important teeth when there is enough support remaining and home care is practical.
How often should my pet have a professional cleaning?
Many pets benefit from yearly cleanings, while pets with advanced periodontal disease may need more frequent care. We’ll recommend a schedule for your pet.
Is pet insurance likely to cover periodontal treatment?
Many policies cover periodontal treatment even when routine cleanings aren’t covered. We can help with your claim.
Schedule Periodontal Care for Your Pet
If you have any questions about periodontal disease in your pet, contact Premier Pet Dentistry today at 503-PREMIER ((503) 773-6437) or request an appointment at our Beaverton, OR office.