Animal Dental Specialists

For pet owners in Alabama, understanding that dental health is critically important to a pet’s overall well-being is the first step toward a longer, happier life for their companion. Just like in humans, dental disease in dogs and cats is a painful and chronic condition that can lead to serious systemic health issues affecting the heart, kidneys, and liver. When your pet needs more than a routine cleaning, or faces a complex oral issue like a fractured tooth, a jaw injury, or a mass, **Animal Dental Specialists** in Pelham, AL, stands as the premier referral center for advanced veterinary dentistry and oral surgery in the region.

This facility is unique in the local veterinary landscape because it is dedicated exclusively to veterinary dental care, providing a depth of expertise that general practice veterinarians may not offer. The practice is typically led by a **Board-Certified Veterinary Dentist**—a specialist who has completed years of advanced post-doctoral training in veterinary dentistry and oral surgery. This level of specialization ensures that your pet receives the most modern, scientifically sound, and highest quality dental procedures available. They work closely with your pet’s primary care veterinarian, functioning as a specialist consultant to address the most challenging oral health problems in dogs and cats.

Whether your dog needs a complicated tooth extraction, your cat requires treatment for painful tooth resorption, or a tumor needs evaluation, Animal Dental Specialists provides a comprehensive and compassionate approach. They are equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, including Computed Tomography (CT) and digital dental radiography, ensuring an accurate diagnosis of issues hidden below the gumline. For Alabama pet owners, choosing this practice means prioritizing the elimination of pain and the maintenance of good oral health for their beloved family member.

The clinic is located at:

• **Address:** 1583 Cahaba Valley Rd, Pelham, AL 35124, USA

Due to the specialized nature of the work, which requires general anesthesia and detailed preparation, the clinic operates on an appointments-recommended basis. It is essential to call ahead to schedule a consultation. Their published hours of operation are generally Monday through Thursday, from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though it is always best to confirm directly.

The facility is committed to accessibility for all clients:

• **Wheelchair Accessible Entrance:** Provides convenient access for clients.
• **Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot:** Designated parking spaces are available.
• **Wheelchair Accessible Restroom:** An accessible restroom is available for client comfort.
• **Amenities:** A general restroom is provided.

Key services provided include:

• **Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (OHAT):** A thorough physical examination followed by cleaning and scaling of teeth, digital dental radiographs, and a microscopic examination under general anesthesia.
• **Digital Dental Radiography:** Essential diagnostic radiographs taken of the teeth, jawbone, and gums to detect pathology hidden below the gumline, such as abscesses, bone loss, and unerupted teeth.
• **Computed Tomography (CT) / Cone Beam CT Scans:** Advanced diagnostic imaging to provide 360-degree scans for complex cases, such as jaw fractures, oral tumors, or deep infections.
• **Treatment of Periodontal Disease:** Diagnosis and surgical treatment of moderate to severe gum disease, the most common health issue in adult dogs and cats.
• **Complex Tooth Extractions:** Surgical treatment for damaged, infected, or non-viable teeth, including canine teeth, impacted teeth, and fractured teeth.
• **Endodontics (Root Canal Therapy and Tooth Repair):** Procedures to save fractured or discolored teeth, particularly in working or competitive dogs, by performing a root canal to remove infected tissue and preserve the tooth structure.
• **Oral Surgery:** Treatment of oral masses, benign or malignant oral tumors in dogs and cats, as well as surgical treatment and repair of jaw fractures (fractures jaw) and maxillofacial trauma.
• **Orthodontics:** Corrective procedures to address malocclusions (bad bites) that cause pain or trauma to the gums and palate, ensuring a comfortable and functional bite.
• **Preventative Services:** Advanced dental prophylaxis and professional pet dental cleanings performed safely under general anesthesia.
• **Referral Service:** Working as a secondary care provider in partnership with your primary care veterinarian for specialized diagnosis and treatment.

• **Board-Certified Expertise:** The facility is run by specialists, such as Dr. Bert Gaddis, DVM, DAVDC, a credential that signifies the highest level of specialized training in veterinary dentistry and oral surgery. This expertise ensures precision and optimal outcomes for complex surgical procedures.
• **Advanced Diagnostic Imaging:** The use of Cone Beam CT Scans and Digital Dental Radiography allows for detailed, three-dimensional imaging. This is crucial for diagnosing issues like a nasal cavity mass or a deep root infection that cannot be seen on a regular physical examination.
• **Commitment to Anesthesia Safety:** All major dental and oral surgical procedures require general anesthesia. The clinic adheres to the highest standards of anesthesia and monitoring protocols, ensuring the safest experience possible for every pet undergoing treatment, including pre-anesthetic blood work (CBC and Chemistry).
• **Pain-Free Approach:** A focus on identifying and eliminating chronic oral pain, which pets often hide. Procedures are designed to address the source of discomfort, leading to a noticeable improvement in the pet's general health, demeanor, and quality of life.
• **Referral Partnership:** The clinic’s role as a referral service means they collaborate with your family veterinarian, creating a seamless and coordinated approach to your pet's total health picture.
• **Experienced and Patient Team:** As noted by local customers, the team—from the reception staff (like Bri) to the technicians and doctors (including Dr. Stephen LaRocca)—is known for being knowledgeable, patient, and transparent about pricing and procedures.

• **Address:** 1583 Cahaba Valley Rd, Pelham, AL 35124, USA
• **Phone:** (205) 988-8654
• **Mobile Phone (For convenience):** +1 205-988-8654

The presence of a board-certified veterinary dentist ensures an accurate diagnosis, which is crucial since approximately 60% of dental disease lies hidden below the gumline and can only be detected with specialized diagnostic radiographs and imaging. By providing advanced dental care, complex diagnostics, and compassionate surgical treatment, Animal Dental Specialists offers a chance for your pet to live free from the silent pain of dental disease. This level of specialized veterinary dentistry is truly worth choosing for the longevity and comfort of your dog or cat in the Alabama area.

Animal Dental Specialists

1583 Cahaba Valley Rd, Pelham, AL 35124, USA