Clinic service
Dental Care
Most dental disease hides below the gumline, so that is where we look.
About this service
A clean mouth is a big part of a long life
Dental disease is common by the middle years in both dogs and cats, and the bulk of it hides under the gums, out of sight. A professional cleaning lets us chart every tooth, take X-rays of the roots and clean the places a toothbrush never reaches.
Your pet is under general anesthesia for the procedure, with a dedicated technician watching heart rate, oxygen, blood pressure and temperature the whole time. Before anything happens, you get a written estimate. If we find a tooth that needs to come out, we call you first.
Signs worth booking for
Breath that stays bad, chewing only on one side, food falling from the mouth, red gums, facial swelling or a sudden refusal of hard treats. If you notice one, book a dental check.
Care at home afterward
Daily brushing is the gold standard, but we know it is not for every household. We will suggest dental chews, diets or rinses that fit your pet and your schedule, and see you for a short recheck.
What happens on dental day
You drop your pet off in the morning and sign the estimate. A doctor repeats the exam, an IV line goes in, and anesthesia begins once the plan is confirmed. After X-rays, scaling and polishing, your pet wakes in a warm recovery area with a technician close by.
Cats need dental care too
Many cats develop painful lesions where the tooth meets the gum. They rarely show it, and some keep eating normally. X-rays find these early, and treating them can noticeably change a cat’s mood and appetite within a week or two.
Pain relief and recovery
Local nerve blocks are used whenever extractions are planned, and your pet goes home with pain medication and a soft-food schedule. Most pets eat dinner that night. We call the next day to check in and see you again in about two weeks.
FAQ
Questions owners often ask
Still unsure? Call (555) 208-4416 and a team member will help you choose.
Why can’t teeth be cleaned while my pet is awake?
A thorough cleaning and X-rays need a still patient and a protected airway. Cleanings done awake can only polish what is visible, which leaves the roots untreated.
How do you plan anesthesia for older pets?
We run blood work first, adjust drugs to your pet’s health, place an IV line for fluids and monitor continuously until your pet is awake and warm.
Is it an overnight stay?
No. Most dental patients head home late in the afternoon, awake and comfortable.
How much does a dental cleaning cost?
Cleanings start at the price shown, and extractions or extra X-rays add to that. You always get a written estimate before the day.
How often should my pet’s teeth be cleaned?
Many pets need a cleaning every one to two years. Small breeds and cats with a history of dental disease may need one more often.
Dental stories
Owners on our dental days
Dr. Abara showed us the dental X-rays on screen and walked through each tooth. We finally understood why the cleaning mattered.
Otis had a dental cleaning and they texted us after every stage. We never had to call and wonder how he was doing.
Biscuit hates the carrier, so they let him stay in it for the whole exam. Small thing, but it changed how he handles vet visits.
Dental day checklist
Before the procedure
- Last meal by 10 the evening before
- Water stays available overnight
- Arrive for drop-off by 8:00 AM
- A phone number we can reach all day
- Current medications in their bottles
- A soft blanket from home if you like
Our approach
You approve every extraction first
Should the X-rays reveal a tooth worth removing, we phone you before doing anything. You will hear the reason, the cost and the options, and nothing is added without your OK.
Book a Dental ExamNew patients welcome · Same-week visits
Looking for a vet who learns your pet’s quirks?
Send a request online in about a minute or phone our front desk. You will leave the visit with a plan that makes sense.