4 Things A Cat Dentist Can Do

Cats are natural carnivores. In the wild, felines eat fresh meat from their prey. All felines, even domestic cats, thrive on a diet high in protein. To fulfill their dietary needs, cats have sharp canine teeth that can be used to hunt and shred food. Domestic cats are more likely to use their teeth to crunch kibble and treats. No matter what lifestyle your cat leads, healthy teeth are important. A cat dentist can help you keep your cat's teeth healthy, intervening if any problems arise. Here are four things a cat dentist can do: 

1. Administer general anesthesia

When you go to the dentist, you're able to comply with the dentist's requests by opening your mouth, spitting, and biting down on implements as requested. Cats have different cognitive abilities, so they also have different dental needs. Cats are unable to comply with a dentist's requests, and many cats would find a dental exam upsetting. To keep your cat safe and calm throughout their dental procedure, a cat dentist will first administer general anesthesia. Under the influence of general anesthesia, your cat will sleep soundly throughout their oral examination.

2. Conduct an oral examination

While your cat is asleep, their dentist will conduct an oral examination. The dentist will look for cracked and broken teeth that may be causing your cat pain. They will also look for obvious signs of decay, like visible plaque and tartar on your cat's teeth. Your cat's dentist will also examine your cat's gums. Healthy gums should be pink and uninflamed. Swollen, bleeding, or white-colored gums are signs of gum disease.

3. Take x-rays

Some dental problems cannot be seen with the naked eye. Small cavities can go undetected until they start causing your cat pain. An x-ray will help your cat's dentist diagnose hard-to-detect problems. Your cat's dentist will x-ray your cat's mouth from various angles to get a clear picture of their oral health. These x-rays will be carefully examined so the dentist can make their final diagnosis and arrange the appropriate treatment.

4. Treat tooth decay and gum disease

Diagnosis is only one part of your cat's dental treatment. Any problems discovered must be dealt with using the proper procedures. If your cat has gum disease, their dentist can treat it using root planing techniques that remove tartar and bacteria from below your cat's gum line. Tooth decay may be treated with dental fillings or tooth extraction.


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