Dog receiving professional dental care during a veterinary dental cleaning procedure.
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Dental disease is one of the most common health conditions we see in dogs and cats and one of the most preventable. By age three, the majority of pets already show signs of periodontal disease, yet the early stages are often invisible to the naked eye and easy to overlook at home. At Rockbrook Animal Clinic, oral health is a core part of how we care for your pet at every life stage. Professional cleanings, thorough exams, and simple home care habits can add years of comfort and quality to your pet's life.
It's easy to think of dental disease as purely a mouth problem. In reality, the bacteria that accumulate in an unhealthy mouth can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart, kidneys, and liver over time. Chronic oral pain also affects appetite, behavior, and overall quality of life in ways that pets, who instinctively mask discomfort, rarely make obvious. Regular dental care isn't just about fresh breath. It's a meaningful investment in your pet's long-term health.
Many pets show few outward signs of dental pain, which is why routine oral exams are so important. Watch for:
  • Bad breath that seems persistent or unusually strong
  • Yellow, brown, or discolored teeth
  • Reluctance to eat hard food or chew toys
  • Pawing at the mouth or face
  • Drooling more than usual
  • Swollen or bleeding gums
  • Loose or missing teeth
  • Changes in chewing habits or food preferences
If you've noticed any of these signs, it's a good time to schedule an oral health exam.


CONSULT

This is the first step in the full arch process. During this appointment, you will meet with your Dr. Kurt O. Bally DMD FICOI to discuss your needs and options for dental implants. The consultation will typically take about an hour. This first and free visit is $525 value.
STEP 1
STEP 2

RECORDS

Your dentist will take a series of records, including dental x-rays, 3D scans, and photographs. These records will be used to create a treatment plan and to fabricate your dental implants.

PRE-SURGICAL CONSULT

This appointment is held before the surgery to discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure, as well as the recovery process. You will also have a chance to ask any questions you may have.
STEP 3
STEP 4

SURGERY

This is the procedure where the implants are placed into your jawbone. The surgery typically takes about 2 hours per jaw and is done safely with oral anesthesia. All patients leave with their new temporary teeth on the day of the surgery and will return within 1-2 weeks to have their first post-op visit and receive their fist implant prototype teeth. It is important to remain on a very soft diet after surgery and before receiving your first prototype.

PROTOTYPES

1-2 weeks after your surgery you will return to check your healing and receive your first set of implant prototype teeth that will be attached directly to your implants. We allow up to 3 versions of teeth during the healing process to ensure the dentist and patient is happy with the look and feel. As your implants heal your dentist will create a series of prototypes for your implant bridge. These prototypes will be used to test the fit and function of the bridge before it is permanently placed.
STEP 5
STEP 6

HEALING

The implants will need to heal for 4-6 months before the next step can be taken. Dr. Bally will also provide a night guard to help prevent excess pressure from going to your implants. As you heal you will remain on a soft diet.

PROTOTYPING AND VERIFICATION

Once the implants have healed, your dentist will create a final prototype of your dental bridge. This prototype will be verified to ensure that it is the correct size, shape, and color. Before authorizing the fabrication of your new zirconia implant smile.
STEP 7
STEP 8

DELIVERY

This is the appointment where your permanent dental bridge is placed. The procedure typically takes about 1 hour. It's a truly rewarding visit for everyone.

POST-DELIVERY CONSULT AND DOCUMENTATION

This appointment is held after your new zirconia implant smile is installed and your final night guard is given and instructions to maintain your smile are discussed. Final pictures, X-rays and video mark the end of your zirconia implant smile journey.
STEP 9
STEP 10

MAINTENANCE

Your zirconia implant smile will need to be maintained on a regular basis to ensure that it continues to function properly. This may include cleaning, adjustments, and checkups.

Every wellness visit at Rockbrook Animal Clinic includes an oral health assessment. We evaluate the teeth, gums, tongue, and surrounding structures for signs of tartar buildup, gingivitis, periodontal disease, tooth fractures, and oral masses. When we identify concerns, we discuss next steps clearly and without pressure.

1

A thorough dental cleaning requires general anesthesia to be performed safely and effectively. This allows us to clean both above and below the gumline, where the most damaging buildup occurs, and to fully examine the mouth in a way that simply isn't possible in an awake patient. We take every precaution to ensure your pet's safety and comfort throughout the procedure.

2

Much of what affects a tooth's health lies beneath the gumline and is invisible without imaging. Dental radiographs allow us to evaluate root health, bone loss, and hidden disease, and make more informed treatment decisions as a result.

3

When a tooth is damaged, infected, or beyond saving, extraction is often the kindest option. We perform extractions with care and provide thorough pain management and aftercare instructions to keep your pet comfortable during recovery.

4

Professional cleanings do the heavy lifting, but what happens between visits plays a real role in your pet's oral health. The good news is that home dental care doesn't have to be complicated. Even small, consistent habits can slow tartar buildup, reduce inflammation, and extend the time between cleanings.

We meet you where you are. If daily brushing is realistic for your household, we'll show you exactly how to do it effectively. If it isn't, we'll help you find alternatives that still make a difference. Approved dental chews, water additives, oral rinses, and specially formulated dental diets are all tools we can work with. Whatever approach fits your pet's temperament and your daily routine, we'll help you build a home care habit that sticks.

Don't wait for bad breath or discomfort to prompt a visit. Routine oral care is one of the simplest ways to protect your pet's overall health. Our team is here to make the process easy, comfortable, and stress-free for both of you. Give us a call to schedule a dental exam for your furry companion at Rockbrook Animal Clinic.