Dental Care
Healthy teeth add healthy years. We provide complete dental
exams, cleanings, and extractions to keep your
pet comfortable, pain-free, and thriving.
Why dental care matters
Dental disease is common, painful — and preventable.
In an added effort to provide your pet with quality care, we offer professional dental services right here in our office. Periodontal disease is one of the most common conditions we see — and because it develops silently below the gum line, many pets are already affected before an owner notices. The good news: with regular exams and cleanings, it's almost entirely preventable.
of pets show early periodontal disease by age 3
longer life with good oral hygiene
preventable with routine care
Reasons for regular dental check-ups
- Prevent tooth loss due to periodontal disease
- Help your pet avoid unnecessary pain
- Maintain healthy and functional teeth
- Improve foul breath
- Prevent potential damage to the brain, heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys
The same issues people get
Pets can experience many of the same dental problems humans do — tartar accumulation, gingivitis, periodontal disease, retained baby teeth, tooth fractures, and overcrowding.
Regular exams and cleanings help you avoid the cost of involved dental procedures down the road, and spare your pet unnecessary suffering. Once an infection takes hold in the mouth, it can reduce appetite, spread bacteria into the bloodstream, and lead to tooth loss.
Know the signs
The stages of periodontal disease
Dental disease progresses in stages — from a healthy gum line (Stage 0) to advanced bone loss requiring extraction (Stage 4). Catching it early keeps treatment simple and your pet comfortable.
Stages of pet periodontal disease. Source: American Veterinary Dental College. Photos courtesy of Jan Bellows, DVM, DAVDC, DABVP.
What to expect
What pet dental care involves
Pet dental exams are similar to human dental exams. The teeth and gums are examined yearly as part of a wellness visit, and dental radiographs may be taken to find problems below the gum line. If dental disease is present, a cleaning — with or without extractions — may be recommended.
Exam & X-rays
Teeth and gums are examined yearly, with dental radiographs to check below the gum line when needed.
Cleaning under anesthesia
A technician gently cleans each tooth with an ultrasonic scaler; tartar above the gum line is removed by hand.
Polish & seal
Teeth are buffed and polished, then a barrier sealant is applied to every surface. Antibiotics may be used if disease is severe.
Your home plan
You receive a full analysis of your pet’s oral health plus at-home hygiene tips, with a referral to a specialist if needed.
Dental care performed safely under general anesthesia.
Ultrasonic scaling removes tartar above and below the gum line.
Between visits
Simple home hygiene tips
Brush daily
Brush your pet’s teeth at least once a day to cut down on tartar build-up.
Use dental products
Wipes, rinses, and water additives help protect gums and lessen tartar.
Feed dry food
Dry kibble abrades tooth surfaces as pets chew, helping remove tartar — the bigger the kibble, the better.
Offer dental toys
Many pet toys support dental health — they entertain your pet and help clean teeth at the same time.
Creating a smooth, clean tooth surface makes it harder for tartar and plaque to build up.
Give them a healthy smile
Ready to schedule your pet's dental cleaning?
Call our office to book a professional dental exam and cleaning
— and let your pet experience a healthier, happier smile.