By the time an owner notices bad breath, tartar build-up, or a pet pawing at their mouth, dental disease is often well established below the gumline where it can't be seen. At the clinic we can perform a range of dental procedures including scale and polishes, extractions, and tooth root abscess treatment. Often, teeth can be past their saving date, and your pet is far better off without them at this stage.
What a dental scale and polish involves
The most common procedure performed is a dental scale and polish. This involves your pet going under general anaesthetic – necessary because cats and dogs won't keep still or hold their mouths open for long, and some pets can bite down and potentially damage dental equipment.
Tartar is removed using an ultrasonic dental scaler. The tip of the instrument vibrates very quickly and breaks up the tartar so it can be removed easily. We also remove the plaque and bacteria from under the gums that cause gingivitis. If a tooth is badly decayed, it may need to be removed.
After the procedure
Antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and pain killers are given if required, based on what was found and treated. If you'd like a crown or root canal repair to fix broken teeth, referral to dental specialists is available.
Signs it might be time for a dental check
Persistent bad breath, brown or yellow build-up on the teeth, red or bleeding gums, dropping food while eating, or pawing at the mouth are all reasons to have your pet's teeth assessed – dental disease left untreated can affect more than just the mouth, which is why we recommend not waiting for it to become obvious.
If you have an Emergency with your pet during our closed hours please see under Services page for a list Emergency clinics in Auckland:
ARC 8 Hereford St Ponsonby 09 281 5815 or ARC 224 Albany Highway 09 281 5815
VSA 133 Central Park Dr, Henderson 09 320 5645 or Mt Wellington, Corner Hotunui Drive & Te Apunga Place, Sylvia Park, off Carbine Rd 09 320 5645
Western After Hours Vet Clinic Rosebank Rd, Avondale (09) 820 7273
North Shore Veterinary Ellis Road, Glenfield (09) 443-5640
Manukau After Hours Veterinary 15 Jack Conway Ave, Manukau (09) 277 8383
Please do not go to the emergency clinic if it is not urgent/life threatening. (Runny eyes/nose, coughing, limping, itching etc can wait until the morning to be seen by our day vet)
If you are very worried or unsure if you are dealing with an emergency about your pet after clinic hours and you are a client with us you can reach Dr Chris on his emergency phone until 10pm or again from 7am each day.
Dr Chris Laurenson - 027 544 4427
Normanby Road Vet Clinic offers a range of friendly and professional vet services for cats, dogs and other animals. From vaccinations to microchipping and even surgeries, we can help your pets remain happy and healthy. Our clinic is easily accessible from all areas of Auckland.
