Dental Care

Dental Care in Lincoln, AR

Welcome to Smithers Animal Hospital-Lincoln, where we provide dental exams, ultrasonic cleaning and polishing, and extractions when necessary to keep your pet’s mouth healthy and comfortable.

Understanding Pet Dental Care

One of the best ways to preserve your pet’s overall health and add years to their life is to provide consistent dental hygiene. We encourage maintaining healthy teeth and gums to keep your pet from developing dental disease that can progress and lead to serious complications if left untreated.

As with people, oral disease in pets begins with bacteria in the mouth that harden and form plaque that adheres to teeth. If not removed through regular care and cleaning, these bacteria will accumulate, harden into tartar, and can lead to the development of gingivitis and periodontitis.

The resulting inflammation of the gingiva and periodontal tissues gives these bacteria access to the body, and they can seriously affect the kidneys, heart, liver, brain, and lungs. That’s why we recommend beginning regular dental cleanings and exams when your pets are young.

What to Expect From Our Dental Services

Our dental care starts with a careful look at your pet’s mouth and continues with the treatment your pet needs.

Dental Exams

During our examination, we look for fractured teeth, worn areas of enamel, retained baby teeth, plaque, tartar, inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), abnormal growths or masses, tooth discoloration, infected teeth, and more. We will then determine if further treatment is necessary.

Ultrasonic Cleaning and Polishing

Professional cleaning removes the plaque and tartar that brushing can’t reach, helping prevent gingivitis and protect the gums.

Extractions

When a tooth is too damaged or diseased to save, we remove it when necessary to relieve pain and stop infection. For more involved oral procedures, see our dental surgery.

Care Between Visits

We recommend regular dental checkups and cleanings at least every 1 to 2 years in most cases. Some pets, however, require more frequent cleanings. Brushing your pet’s teeth in between cleanings and supplying them with oral hygiene chews are additional preventive measures.

Signs Your Pet May Need Dental Care

If you notice your pet exhibiting any of the following conditions, don’t hesitate to give us a call:

• Changes in eating. Abnormal chewing, drooling, dropping food from the mouth, reduced appetite or refusal to eat, or weight loss
• Bad breath
• Bleeding from the mouth
• Broken or loose teeth
• Gum problems. Gum recession and/or gum swelling
• Signs of pain. Pain in or around the mouth, or pawing at the face or mouth
• Swelling of the face
• Teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar

Smithers Animal Hospital-Lincoln provides dental health care services to pet owners in Lincoln, Prairie Grove, Farmington, Summers, and beyond.