Pet Dentistry

We provide dental exams, prophylactic cleanings, and treatments for those pets with severe dental disease. We can also provide products and recommendations to help prevent dental disease and maintain proper dental care.

Dental Cleanings

​For those pets with identified dental disease, gingivitis, or periodontal disease, dental cleanings and therapy are performed with safe and carefully monitored anesthesia and analgesia (pain management). Know that there are very few risks associated with age or anesthesia that outweigh the countless risks to your pet's health when dental disease is left untreated.

Non-Anesthetic Dental Cleanings

For those pets with healthy teeth and gums or those that have recently had their pet's dental disease treated, we offer non-anesthetic or sedation-only cleaning and polishing to maintain the quality of your pet's teeth. 

Non-anesthetic dental care is a popular service designed to maintain the appearance of your pet's teeth. When performed under the care of a veterinarian, it can be a safe and effective way of removing plaque and tartar, reducing bad breath, and reducing the frequency of necessary anesthetic dental procedures. When performed carelessly or illegally, it can be worthless or even damaging to your pet's dental health.
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Dr. Costuma and his dental care team can provide this service safely and effectively for those dogs and cats that qualify. We also offer sedation or tranquilization to accommodate our more "anxious" patients, with the effects of sedation quickly reversed as soon as the cleaning is completed. A dental exam provided with a thorough physical examination by Dr. Costuma can determine if your pet would benefit from this service. If you are not satisfied with the results or if we simply can not complete the cleaning to our standards, you will not be charged. Additionally, if periodontal disease or gingivitis is suspected or detected during the procedure you will be notified so that the necessary dental therapy can be authorized or planned.

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Oral disease begins with a buildup of bacteria in the pet's mouth

• Bacteria, combined with saliva and food debris between the tooth and gum, can cause plaque formulations that accumulate on the tooth. As bacteria grow in the plaque and as calcium salts are deposited, plaque turns to tartar.
• Bacterial plaque is the most important substrate in the development of periodontal disease. The inflammation and destruction that accompanies periodontal disease results from the direct action of bacteria and their by-products on periodontal tissues as well as the indirect activation of the host immune response.
• Tartar has a contributory role due to its roughened surface, which enhances bacterial attachment and further plaque development, and also irritates gingival tissues.
• Without proper preventive or therapeutic care, plaque and tartar buildup leads to periodontal disease, which affects the tissues and structures supporting the teeth. Left untreated, periodontal disease can cause oral pain, dysfunction, tooth loss and systemic complications.

Periodontitis may lead to other health problems

• Periodontal disease causes red, swollen and tender gums, receding gums, bleeding, pain and bad breath. If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss.
• The inflammation and infection associated with periodontal disease may damage other organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys, or lead to other serious health problems.

Pet owners should look for warning signs of oral disease

• Common indications of oral disease include bad breath, a change in eating or chewing habits, pawing at the face or mouth and depression.
• Broken teeth are a common problem, especially among outdoor dogs. According to veterinary dental experts, aggressive chewing on hard objects, such as commercially available cow hooves, is a primary cause of broken teeth in dogs.
• If any of these signs are present, the pet should be taken to Dr. Costuma for a dental exam.

Reduce the risk of oral disease by following AVDS recommendations

• The first step in preventing oral disease is a routine physical examination including a dental exam.
• Take advantage of our dental products such as pet safe toothpaste, tartar control chews, and oral rinses added to your pet's drinking water.
• Schedule regular follow-up care with Dr. Costuma and ask about specially formulated foods with proven benefits in plaque and tartar removal.