Veterinary Dental Care in Monona and Madison
Healthy teeth and gums are essential to your pet’s overall health and comfort. At Four Lakes Veterinary Clinic, we provide comprehensive veterinary dental care for dogs and cats in Monona and Madison, including anesthetic cleanings, digital dental x-rays, extractions, and laser therapy to help prevent pain and infection.
Why Professional Dental Care Matters
Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in pets, and much of it hides below the gumline where you cannot see it. Left untreated, it causes pain, tooth loss, and infection that can affect the heart, liver, and kidneys. Regular dental care helps your pet eat comfortably and live a longer, healthier life.
What Happens During a Dental Procedure
All dental cleanings are performed under full anesthesia so we can work safely and thoroughly without stress for your pet. Before the procedure, we recommend pre-anesthetic bloodwork through our laboratory testing. During the procedure, we give IV fluids and monitor your pet carefully while we:
- Take digital dental x-rays to evaluate tooth roots and hidden disease
- Examine and probe every tooth to check for bone loss and periodontal pockets
- Remove plaque and tartar above and below the gumline
- Polish the teeth and apply fluoride to help protect enamel
- Treat the gums with a Class IV therapeutic laser to reduce inflammation and support healing
Extractions and Advanced Dental Care
When diseased or damaged teeth are found, our veterinarians are experienced in performing extractions, the same careful approach we bring to all of our surgical procedures. After an extraction, the gums are sutured closed to promote proper healing and reduce the risk of infection. In some cases, a specialized procedure such as a root canal may save a tooth, and we are happy to refer you to a veterinary dental specialist. Pets go home with pain relief from our pharmacy and clear aftercare instructions. Additional laser therapy sessions can also support healing.
Signs Your Pet May Need Dental Care
Watch for bad breath, yellow or brown tartar, red or bleeding gums, drooling, dropping food, chewing on one side, or pawing at the mouth. Your veterinarian checks your pet’s mouth at every wellness exam and will recommend a cleaning when needed. Pets with diabetes or kidney disease especially benefit from good oral health, since mouth infections can make these conditions harder to manage.
Home Care Between Cleanings
Daily brushing with a pet-safe toothpaste is the best way to slow tartar buildup. Dental chews, water additives, and dental diets can help too. Find dental products in our online store and check our current promotions for rebates on Oravet dental chews.
Pet Dental Care FAQs
Why does my pet need anesthesia for a dental cleaning?
Anesthesia allows us to clean below the gumline, take dental x-rays, and treat painful teeth safely without causing your pet fear or discomfort.
Why are dental x-rays important?
Much of dental disease occurs below the gumline. Digital dental x-rays let us see tooth roots and bone so we do not miss hidden problems.
How often does my pet need a dental cleaning?
Many pets benefit from a professional cleaning about once a year, though the right schedule depends on your pet’s mouth and breed.
Will my pet need teeth pulled?
Only teeth that are diseased or damaged beyond repair are extracted. We will contact you during the procedure if extractions are recommended.
Can my pet eat normally after extractions?
Most pets eat soft food the same evening and return to normal eating once the gums heal, usually within one to two weeks.
Why do you use laser therapy after dental procedures?
Our Class IV therapeutic laser helps reduce gum inflammation and supports faster, more comfortable healing.
Are anesthesia-free dental cleanings a good option?
We do not recommend them. Anesthesia-free cleanings cannot clean below the gumline or include x-rays and can be stressful for pets.
Schedule Your Pet’s Dental Care
A healthy mouth means a happier, healthier pet. Call Four Lakes Veterinary Clinic at (608) 819-6750 or request an appointment for a dental evaluation in Monona and Madison.