Dentistry
Your pet's oral health has a tremendous impact on its overall wellbeing. Dental problems can cause or be attributed to other health problems. Fresh breath and clean teeth make companion time more appealing, too. Dr. Jose Arambulo and his team of veterinary health professionals suggest integrating check-ups and regular dental care into your program of pet wellness. Bloomfield Animal Hospital offers comprehensive examinations of teeth and gums, in a sterile, clinical setting under the care of qualified veterinarians.
Please bring your pet in sooner if you discover any of these problems:
- Abnormal drooling, difficulty chewing, or dropping food from the mouth
- Bleeding at the mouth
- Evidence of pain in or around the mouth
- Foul breath
- Loose or broken teeth
- Refusal to eat or reduced appetite
- Retained baby teeth or extra teeth
- Swelling in or surrounding the mouth
- Teeth that are covered in tartar or show discoloration
Call us if you see any noticeable changes in your pet's behavior. Please be careful when evaluating your pet’s mouth. Some animals become irritable when they have dental problems or are in pain.
Examination and cleaning
Just like you, we want to minimize stressful situations for your pet. We also know that the animal must be fully relaxed for a thorough examination, hygiene treatment, and to address any possible problems. We begin with a calming anesthesia. The exam includes full x-rays of the mouth, and analysis of pocket-depth, an important indicator of gum health. We check for dental caries (cavities), abscesses, mouth sores, and loss of bone density.
The next step is deep cleaning to remove most stains, plaque, and tartar, even under the gum line. We utilize ultrasonic scaling to remove deposits gently, creating a smooth surface for better adherence of gum tissue to teeth, and to reduce inflammation. If we find evidence of periodontal disease, we may apply an antibiotic gel to help gums heal faster.
Oral surgery
If your pet has a tooth compromised by cavities, breakage, or severe periodontal disease, we will perform the necessary extraction while the animal is under anesthetic. Because the teeth of animals have multiple roots, we use a high-speed drill to section the tooth for easier extraction. Your pet’s comfort is ensured with therapeutic pain management to promote healing.
When you come to pick up your pet, the doctor reviews the x-rays and explains treatment provided. If extraction was necessary, you are given post-operative care instructions.
Prevention
Our goal is to help you keep your pet in the best possible health. We provide advice on what you can do at home to prevent periodontal disease and minimize risk of other dental problems. Together, we work out a plan that fits your relationship with your pet and your lifestyle. It may include a combination of nightly brushing, oral powders or sprays, healthy dental chews, and nutrition that promotes good oral health.
Gentle, qualified veterinary dentistry is available for pet owners in Lakewood, CA and nearby areas. At Bloomfield Animal Hospital, we know that keeping your pet in good oral health keeps you smiling, too. Call us today to schedule a dental examination for your companion. The number is (562) 383-7788.
Bloomfield Animal Hospital is a trusted name in pets’ preventive, medical,
surgical, and
emergency care in Lakewood, CA. With a 30-year history as a family-owned pet clinic, it provides modern services in a warm, friendly environment. It’s one of the few veterinary hospitals to be
AAHA-accredited.
Dr. Jose Arambulo, owner and chief veterinarian, is experienced in treating eye, ear, and skin disorders and is especially interested in internal medicine, dentistry, and soft tissue surgery. He earned his BS in Medical Technology from the
University of Santo Tomas and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the
University of the Philippines. He completed clinical evaluation for veterinary medicine at
Purdue University in Indiana and was a veterinarian at Banfield and California before acquiring Bloomfield Animal Hospital.
Dr. Arambulo is an active member of the
American Veterinary Medical Association,
Veterinary Information Network,
Southern California Veterinary Medical Association,
Southern California Filipino Veterinary Medical Association, and the
Lakewood Chamber of Commerce.
Our Traveling Surgeon,
Dr. Zachery Smith, is a Diplomate of the
American College of Veterinary Surgeons. He specializes in complex orthopedic and soft tissue surgery. While training, he worked with some of the best orthopedic surgeons in the country. He has lectured both locally and internationally. Dr. Smith plays a leading role at Veterinary Orthopedics of California, which is dedicated to providing high-level surgical services to pets.
Our visiting physician,
Dr. Fred Brewer, is a veterinary cardiologist board-certified by the
American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Psychobiology at
UCLA and earned his veterinary degree from
Cornell University in 2009. Later, he completed a one-year general rotating internship at the California Animal Hospital Veterinary Specialty Group in West Los Angeles and a three-year cardiology residency at Cornell University.
