Veterinary Emergency & Urgent Care
I Have An Emergency
Dentistry & Oral Surgery in the Twin Cities Area
Pet dental care maintains your pet's bright smile while also protecting them from a wide range of diseases. At Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota (AERC), our dentistry and oral surgery team provides advanced care for dogs, cats, and select exotic pets, combining expertise, state-of-the-art technology, and compassionate care. From routine preventive treatments to complex oral surgeries, pet parents can trust that procedures are performed to the highest standard.
We are more than just veterinary dentists; we are dental specialists. Led by a board-certified veterinary dentist, the team is equipped to diagnose and treat disorders of the oral cavity and teeth, as well as the bones, joints, and muscles of the head.
Did you know?
Dentistry is one of more than 20 specialties recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Specialty certification requires three-to-six years of additional training beyond the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, ensuring expert care for every patient.
Common Signs of Dental Disease
Pet families should watch for these indicators of potential oral health issues:
- Yellow or brown buildup (tartar) on the teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Excessive drooling
- Changes in eating or chewing habits
- Pawing at the face
- Loose teeth
Our Services
Endodontics
Treatment for damaged or diseased tooth pulp helps preserve natural teeth and relieve pain. Procedures such as root canal therapy remove infection and protect the remaining healthy tooth structure.
Oral Surgery
From extractions to surgical interventions, our team addresses a variety of oral health concerns efficiently and safely. Oral surgery may also be recommended to treat tumors, jaw fractures, or advanced dental disease.
Fractured Teeth
We assess and repair broken teeth to prevent infection and restore function. Depending on the severity, treatment may include restoration, root canal therapy, or extraction.
Periodontal Disease
Early detection and treatment of gum disease are crucial for long-term oral health. Care often involves deep cleaning, scaling, root planing, and in some cases, surgical intervention.
Malocclusion and Orthodontic Treatment
Correcting bite issues ensures proper chewing and helps prevent further dental complications. Treatments can include tooth extractions, crown height reduction, or orthodontic appliances to adjust tooth position.
Restorative and Prosthodontic Treatment
From restorations to metal crowns, we restore function and comfort for pets with damaged teeth. Options may include dental sealants, composite fillings, and metal crowns.
What is a Cone-Beam CT (CBCT) Scan?
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is an advanced, non-invasive imaging technology used by board-certified veterinary dentists to get a detailed, 3D view of your pet’s head, including the teeth, jaw, skull, sinuses, and inner ears.
Why Is CBCT Better Than Traditional X-rays?
- Superior image detail: CBCT creates highly detailed 3D images making it easier to diagnose issues that standard dental x-rays might miss.
- Improved Diagnosis: It helps identify problems like tooth fractures, infections, missing teeth, jaw fractures, tumors, and more.
- Special care for special patients: CBCT is especially useful in short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Persian cats, whose crowded teeth are hard to evaluate with regular dental x-rays.
- Less Radiation: CBCT uses equal or less radiation than traditional dental x-rays despite advanced imaging capabilities
- Fast & Safe: Each scan takes less than a minute thus minimizing stress and anesthesia time.
When Is CBCT Used
Veterinary dental specialists use CBCT to:
- Diagnose oral diseases early and with the highest degree of accuracy
- Evaluate traumatic injuries (like jaw fractures)
- Assess bone tumors of the jaws
- Plan treatments with 3D models and reconstructions
Why It Matters for Your Pet
CBCT helps our board certified veterinary dentists identify problems earlier and more accurately, treat them more effectively, and help your pet maintains a healthy, pain-free mouth.
Dental Radiography and Advanced Maxillofacial Imaging
State-of-the-art imaging allows precise diagnosis and planning for both routine and complex dental cases. Digital radiographs and advanced imaging provide detailed views of tooth roots, jawbone, and surrounding tissues.
At-Home Care
Daily care at home is key to long-term oral health. We may recommend tooth brushing, dental diets, chews, or other dental support tools.
Scheduling an Appointment
Dentistry appointments are available at our Oakdale location.
- Pet Owner Appointments
Call or email to schedule. Our team will coordinate with your family veterinarian to gather medical records. - Veterinarian Referrals
Referrals can be submitted through our online form, by email, or by calling.
To ensure the best care, please complete our Dental History Form before your appointment.
