Pet Dentistry
A Century of Excellence in Pet Dentistry in Chicago
A healthy mouth is a cornerstone of your pet’s overall well-being and longevity. At Kragness Animal Hospital, we provide comprehensive pet dentistry services built on a foundation of trust and experience. Since 1908, our hospital has been dedicated to advancing the health of Chicago’s pets, and we understand that proper dental care is crucial for preventing pain and extending their happy years with you.
Why Your Pet’s Dental Health Matters More Than You Think
Dental disease is one of the most common and undertreated health problems in adult pets. In fact, over 80% of dogs show signs of oral disease by the age of three.
When left unaddressed, bacteria from tartar buildup leads to periodontal disease—a painful infection of the gums and jawbone. This condition can not only cause tooth loss and chronic pain but can also allow harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream, potentially damaging the heart, liver, and kidneys.
Watch for these common signs of dental problems:
- Persistent bad breath
- Yellow or brown tartar on teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Difficulty chewing or dropping food
- Reluctance to eat hard food
- Pawing at the mouth
Our Comprehensive Approach to Pet Dentistry: A Legacy of Safety & Precision
As a hospital trusted by generations of Chicago families, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of care. Our dental procedures are far more than a simple “cleaning”; they are comprehensive oral health assessments and treatments designed to ensure your pet’s safety and address problems at their root.
A dental procedure at Kragness Animal Hospital includes:
- Pre-Anesthetic Health Screen: Before any procedure, we perform a thorough physical exam and recommend pre-anesthetic bloodwork to ensure your pet is a safe candidate for anesthesia.
- Safe Anesthesia & Dedicated Monitoring: Your pet’s safety is paramount. A dedicated professional monitors your pet’s vital signs—including heart rate, oxygen levels, and blood pressure—throughout the entire procedure.
- Full-Mouth Dental X-Rays: Most dental disease (over 60%) hides below the gumline. Dental X-rays are essential for revealing hidden problems like root decay, abscesses, and bone loss that are invisible to the naked eye.
- Thorough Scaling & Polishing: We use specialized tools to carefully remove plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces, both above and below the gumline. Afterward, we polish the teeth to create a smooth surface that resists future plaque buildup.
- Complete Oral Examination & Charting: Our veterinarians perform a tooth-by-tooth examination to assess the health of your pet’s mouth and create a detailed dental chart, allowing us to track their oral health over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is anesthesia really necessary for my pet’s dental cleaning?
Yes, absolutely. Anesthesia is critical for a safe, stress-free, and effective dental procedure. It allows us to perform a thorough cleaning below the gumline, take essential X-rays, and address any painful issues without causing fear or discomfort for your pet.
How often should my pet have a professional dental cleaning?
We generally recommend annual dental cleanings for most adult dogs and cats. However, our veterinarians will provide a personalized recommendation based on your pet’s age, breed, and individual oral health.
What can I do at home to care for my pet’s teeth?
Daily tooth brushing is the gold standard for at-home dental care. We are happy to show you how! We can also recommend veterinarian-approved dental diets, chews, and water additives to help maintain a healthy mouth between professional cleanings.
Schedule a Dental Exam with Chicago’s Most Trusted Veterinary Team
Protect your pet from the pain of dental disease with a team that has been setting the standard for veterinary care in Chicago since 1908. Contact Kragness Animal Hospital today to schedule a consultation for our expert pet dentistry services.