Veterinary Dental Care

Camp Verde, Arizona

Our Services

Tooth decay, periodontal (gum) disease, and other dental problems can impact your pet’s health and quality of life. Dr. Howard and her team at Anasazi Animal Clinic emphasize the importance of routine dental care to prevent any problems from developing or progressing. Preventive care is key to keeping your pet’s teeth and gums in tip-top shape.

How Often Does Your Pet Need a Dental Checkup?

We typically recommend dental exams during your pet's annual wellness visits. We look for signs of plaque and tartar buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease. Regular checkups help us diagnose and treat any concerns as they develop, preventing them from progressing and leading to pain and complications for your furry companion. If, however, you see signs of dental health problems between annual wellness visits, don’t wait. It’s important to seek prompt care.

Signs of oral health problems may include the following:

Bad breath
Excessive drooling
Tooth discoloration
Bleeding or swollen gums
Loose or broken teeth
Struggling to eat dry food
Refusing to eat altogether

Seeking prompt care will provide your pet with the needed relief and lower the risk of complications.

What Does Poor Dental Health Impact Your Pet's Overall Health?

Periodontal, or gum disease, is a common concern that affects more than just your pet's mouth. It develops when plaque builds up on the teeth and gum line and hardens into tartar, creating pockets of space between the teeth and gums where bacteria thrive. Periodontal disease can lead to painful gums, loose teeth, and even tooth loss. Untreated gum disease can also impact your pet's overall health, increasing the risk of heart, liver, and kidney diseases.

Tooth decay can also be problematic for your furry friend's overall health. Left untreated, the damage can progress and lead to infection and severe pain. Your pet may be in too much pain to eat, leading to poor nutrition. The infection can also spread to the neighboring teeth and may even enter the bloodstream, posing a risk to your pet's overall health.

Dental Care Services Offered by Anasazi Animal Clinic

Here is a look at the dental services we offer at our Camp Verde practice:

Comprehensive Exams: Dr. Howard will start by evaluating your pet's teeth and gums to check for plaque and tartar accumulation, tooth decay, gum inflammation, tooth damage, or other oral health concerns. She may recommend treatments to address any concerns and may outline at-home dental care practices to keep your pet's mouth healthy.

Dental X-Rays: Dr. Howard may recommend dental X-rays for a closer examination of the mouth, between and inside the teeth, and below the gum line. Our cutting-edge digital imaging technology helps us uncover early signs of tooth decay, gum disease, tooth root infections, and any other oral health concerns, ensuring prompt intervention.

Yearly Dental Cleanings: Most cats and dogs require annual dental cleanings, which we perform under anesthesia for their comfort and safety. During your pet's teeth cleaning, we will remove plaque and tartar buildup along and under the gum line and between the teeth. Regular dental cleanings help lower the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and a host of oral health concerns.

Tooth Extractions: If your cat or dog has a severely decayed, infected, broken, or otherwise damaged tooth, we may need to extract it to relieve any discomfort. Not only will your pet find it easier to eat, but removing the infected tooth can safeguard your pet's overall health and help prevent complications.