Dental Care

Dr. John O’Neill and his certified veterinary technicians trained in companion animal dentistry, have been to numerous special dental sessions to help maintain a high level of care to ensure your pet is receiving the highest level of dental treatment possible. 

Dental services offered by Warrick Run Animal Hospital/Adamstown Veterinary Hospital include:

• Consultations/Exam Appointments – diagnosis and management of all types of dental diseases and traumas.
• Professional Dental Cleaning and Periodontal Treatment – complete ultrasonic/hand scaling and polishing for all stages of dental disease.
• Digital radiology—digital dental x-rays diagnose hidden problems more readily than wet chemistry films.
• Dental Charting
• Periodontal Treatment
• Surgical Extractions
• Endodontics
• Prosthodontics
• Fracture Repair
• Oral Tumor Removals

We are experienced with feline stomatitis cases

Referring Veterinarians

Dr. John O’Neill accepts patient referrals from many local veterinarians. Our referral process is very easy and we do our very best to expedite cases as quickly as possible for the referring veterinarian and their client.

Exam appointments are typically made the day of the procedure or prior to the procedure, to allow for Dr. O’Neill to give the client an accurate estimate of the pet’s treatment plan and to assess the needs of the case. He works closely with the referring veterinarian to create a team approach to ensure the pet has optimal care before, during and after the procedures.

Signs Your Pet Needs Dental Care

Obvious Warning Signs

• Bad Breath
• Visible Tartar Buildup 
• Red, Swollen, or Bleeding Gums
• Loose or Missing Teeth

Behavioral Changes

• Irritability, Being more withdrawn, grumpy, or aggressive due to mouth pain.
• Difficulty Eating or Chewing 
• Loss of Appetite 
• Pawing at the Mouth or Face
• Excessive Drooling
• Changes in Chewing Habits
• Avoiding Chew Toys They Used to Love, Reluctance to Play With Toys 

Subtle Signs

• Head Shyness – Pulling away when you try to touch their face or muzzle.
• Sneezing or Nasal Discharge – Advanced dental infections can affect the nasal passages.
• Chattering or Grinding Teeth 

TOP QUESTIONS ASKED BY PET OWNERS ABOUT PET DENTAL CARE

Regular dental checkups and at-home care are essential for your pet’s well-being.

Why is pet dental care important?

• Prevents Dental Disease: Regular dental care helps prevent conditions like periodontal disease, gingivitis, and tooth decay, which are common in pets. Dental disease can lead to pain, difficulty eating, and even tooth loss.
  
• Prevents Bad Breath: A buildup of plaque and tartar can cause bad breath in pets. Proper dental hygiene keeps your pet’s breath fresh.
  
• Protects Overall Health: Oral health is closely linked to overall health. Bacteria from dental infections can enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys, leading to more severe health problems.
  
• Improves Quality of Life: Pets with healthy teeth can enjoy eating, chewing, and playing without discomfort. Regular dental care ensures they have a higher quality of life.
  
• Early Detection of Health Issues: Regular dental checkups allow a veterinarian to detect early signs of oral health issues, or even systemic health problems that can manifest in the mouth, like tumors or infections.
  

How can I tell if my pet has dental problems?
Signs include bad breath, red or bleeding gums, yellow/brown tartar buildup, difficulty eating, pawing at the mouth, and drooling.

Do pets really need professional dental cleanings?
Yes. Professional cleanings under anesthesia allow the veterinarian to thoroughly scale, polish, and assess below the gumline—where most problems begin.

How often should my pet get a dental cleaning?
Most pets benefit from annual dental cleanings, but this can vary depending on age, breed, and oral health status. Small breeds and older pets may need more frequent care.

What can I do at home to maintain my pet’s dental health?
Regular toothbrushing with pet-safe toothpaste is best. Dental chews, water additives, and veterinarian-recommended diets can also help reduce plaque and tartar buildup.

Is Pet Dental Care Expensive?

At Warrick Run Animal Hospital, we will give you a full estimate for the dental cost for your pet.  The cost estimate includes the best dental care possible for your pet which includes anesthesia (required for thorough cleaning and safety), veterinary team time (vet, anesthesia monitoring, technicians), high-quality dental equipment (ultrasonic scalers, dental x-rays), medications your pet needs (pre-op, anesthesia, pain management, antibiotics), and safety monitoring throughout the procedure.  If your pet needs extractions or has advanced periodontal disease and needs more complex procedures, we will discuss the pricing with you at the time of your exam.  

Regular dental care is typically much less expensive than treating the consequences of neglected dental disease. Regular home care (brushing) and annual checkups can help you avoid the most expensive procedures. Start dental care early in your pet’s life—prevention is always cheaper than treatment! 

What Happens If I Delay My Pet’s Dental Care?

Regular dental care is typically much less expensive than treating the consequences of neglected dental disease.Untreated dental disease leads to:

• More expensive treatments later (extractions vs. cleanings)
• Systemic health problems (heart, kidney, liver disease)
• Decreased quality of life and pain
• Shortened lifespan
• Emergency procedures that cost MORE than regular dental care