Dental Care

Dental Care is systemic care. Animals suffer from tooth aches, abscessed teeth and chronic illness from infections in their mouths just like people do. The bacteria in your pets mouth can affect them locally and systemically. Bad breath does not have to be the norm for your pets. Some pets need to have their teeth cleaned every 6 months just like people do. Keauhou Veterinary Hospital recommends having your pet's teeth examined every year as part of their annual exam. Should they need further attention the doctor will often recommend a full dental cleaning. Soft, wet foods are highly promotive for tooth decay, bones and other hard objects can cause slab fractures and broken teeth, age and wear also contribute to your pets dental health. Having their teeth examined at regular intervals allows for you to keep on top of the situation and modify your pets oral care accordingly.

Keauhou Veterinary Hospital is equipped with the latest advancements in dentistry for your pet.  Animals need to be fully anesthetized for a dental procedure so at KVH we make sure to have all of the safety nets in place. Your pet will have a IV catheter placed before surgery, this allows our team to administer medications and life saving drugs quickly should there be a need. All of our patients receive IV fluids during surgery this helps to maintain and stabilize their blood pressure during the procedure.  All pets will be monitored for blood pressure, oxygen saturation and ECG during the dental procedure.  Your pet will receive a complementary nail trim during their visit. All of this is included in the basic dental package with no additional charge.

During the dental cleaning one of our highly trained staff will clean and polish your pets teeth. The doctor will then examine each tooth individually for cavities, broken or damaged teeth. Should a tooth be damaged the doctor will take and an xray of the tooth with our digital dental xray machine, this machine saves time reducing how long your pet is under anesthesia and reducing your overall cost. We are able to do many dental procedures here at KVH. Including extractions, mouth tumor removal, cleaning, and more. Should there be a need for more in depth dentistry KVH has access to a Board Certified Veterinary Dentist.

Sometimes there are more extensive conditions or concerns that need to be addressed by the doctor. Our staff will go over the possible complications or need for additional care with you when you drop your pet off before their dental. Should something arise during the procedure the doctor or a member of the staff will contact you and make you aware of the concern. We want you to feel informed and allow you to be an active advocate for your pet's best health. It is important for all of us at KVH that you feel like the quality of care and the services we provide are in the very best interest of your pet. 

After your pet's visit they will leave with their very own tooth brush and toothpaste as well as some helpful information on how to maintain their oral hygiene until your next visit.

As always if you have additional questions or concerns don't hesitate to call us. 

Here's to clean kisses from now on.