Dental Care

We offer ultrasonic scaling, teeth polishing and, if needed, extractions all with modern safe anesthesia and pain control.

Did you know that over 85% of dogs and cats over 4 years old have dental disease? The most common sign is bad breath. However, periodontal disease, or dental disease, can be far advanced by the time owners notice bad breath. 

Periodontal disease begins with the formation of plaque that coats the teeth and gums. This plaque contains bacteria and debris. If plaque is not removed, hard dental tartar forms. The tartar causes irritation of the gums and periodontal tissues. For example, bacteria can grow around the tartar and under the edge of the gums, gradually dissolving the structures that support the teeth. Eventually, deeper and deeper pockets can form around the teeth, creating dental pain, root exposure, and pockets where abscesses may form.

Your veterinarian can detect periodontal disease during a routine physical examination. He or she might recommend a thorough dental cleaning. The cleaning is done under anesthesia so that the teeth can be thoroughly examined, cleaned, and polished.

Amy is one of our Licensed Veterinary Technicians who is certified in Animal Dentistry who oversees our dental procedures.

A routine dental procedure includes: 

• Examination of your pet’s teeth and gums
• Ultrasonic scaling of each tooth
• Polishing of each tooth to prevent future plaque buildup
• Digital dental x-rays as needed to assess a tooth below the gum line

Additional dental procedures could include:

• Extractions of teeth
• Removal of gingival or oral masses
• Application of antibiotic filler to help preserve teeth