Raleigh Veterinary Dental Care

Keep Your Pet’s Smile Sparkling

Swift Creek Animal Hospital is pleased to offer dental care services in Raleigh. We take pride in treating your pet’s health holistically – from nose to tail, and that includes your pet’s teeth. Your pet’s mouth deserves the same high-quality care that they get for the rest of their body and our team is ready to help! With our fully equipped surgical suite and team of highly trained and caring veterinary professionals, your pet will be in good hands for all of their dental needs. Since 1986, we have helped pets in Raleigh, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, and Apex keep their smiles healthy.

Stay on top of your pet’s dental health by scheduling a dental exam with us today! Call (919) 328-2964 or contact us online to get started.

Dental Care & Your Pet

Dental disease is the leading health issue among dogs and cats. It is a disease that can go unnoticed for a shockingly long time. Also called periodontal disease, dental disease can cause serious health issues that can harm your pet’s overall health and quality of life.

How do you know if your pet has dental disease? Keep an eye out for these symptoms:

• Unusually bad breath
• Blood in your pet’s saliva or water dish
• Difficulty eating or loss of appetite
• Excessive drooling
• Loose or missing teeth

Any combination of the symptoms listed above can indicate that your pet is suffering from periodontal disease. Get in touch with our team right away if you notice more than one of these signs. The sooner we can treat your pet’s periodontal disease, the better!

What Causes Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is caused by a buildup of plaque on your pet’s teeth. Yes, the same plaque that your daily brushing is meant to combat. This bacteria hardens on the teeth when it dies, which makes the buildup difficult to dislodge. As time goes on and more plaque builds up, it can move below the gumline, where it can cause infection, loose teeth, pain, and even, in the worst cases, permanent damage to your pet’s jaw bones.

How Can I Prevent Periodontal Disease?

Since pets can’t brush their own teeth, it is up to you to help. You can brush your pet’s teeth by using specialized brushes and toothpaste. Additionally, certain treats and chew toys can be helpful in dislodging plaque from your pet’s teeth.

How Frequently Should My Pet Receive Dental Care?

Your pet’s annual wellness exam is a great opportunity to have your veterinarian check on their teeth. If we notice that your pet’s periodontal disease has taken root, we will likely recommend a dental cleaning under anesthesia.

My Pet Needs a Dental Cleaning. What Does That Entail?

A dental cleaning for your pet is conducted under anesthesia. It is important to make sure that your pet is fasted for their dental procedure. Don't worry - we will send you a friendly reminder, but don't forget to withhold food and water after 6pm the evening before their cleaning. If your pet normally takes medications, give us a call to consult with your veterinarian for further instruction. You should plan to drop off early the morning of their dental cleaning between 7:30 - 8:00am. Our technicians will be ready to get your pet checked in and answer any questions you have. We use tools similar to those used by human dentists to clear the plaque from your pet’s teeth. We then polish the teeth and apply an anti-plaque treatment to help deter future build up.

Still have questions about dental care for your pet? Give our team a call at (919) 328-2964 or contact us online today.