Dental Care
For bad breath, tartar buildup, and dental pain
An estimated 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of oral disease by age three — often with no obvious signs until it's advanced. A professional cleaning and annual oral evaluation catch problems early, before they turn into pain, infection, or tooth loss. Appointments are required for dental procedures.
Who Needs This?
- Dogs and cats with visible tartar or yellowing teeth
- Pets with persistent bad breath
- Any pet due for their annual dental health evaluation
- Pets showing signs of mouth pain or difficulty eating
Signs It's Time to Schedule
- Bad breath that doesn't improve with brushing
- Yellow or brown tartar buildup on the teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Difficulty eating or chewing on one side
- Pawing at the face or mouth
- Depression or reduced appetite
What to Expect
- 1
Oral exam
We assess your pet's teeth and gums to determine whether a cleaning, extractions, or both are needed.
- 2
Pre-anesthetic screening
Because dental cleanings require general anesthesia, we evaluate your pet's health beforehand and recommend bloodwork when appropriate.
- 3
Cleaning under anesthesia
A thorough cleaning below the gumline, where most dental disease actually lives, isn't possible in an awake pet — anesthesia allows a complete, safe cleaning.
- 4
Extractions if needed
Any teeth that are diseased beyond saving are removed during the same procedure to eliminate ongoing pain and infection.
Recovery & Aftercare
Most pets go home the same day and are back to normal eating within a day or two, sometimes with softer food temporarily if extractions were performed. We'll send you home with specific aftercare and pain management instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is anesthesia necessary for a dental cleaning?
Yes. A safe, thorough cleaning below the gumline, where dental disease actually causes damage, requires your pet to be fully still and pain-free, which isn't possible while awake.
How often does my pet need a dental cleaning?
Most dogs and cats benefit from a professional cleaning every one to two years, though this varies based on breed, age, and individual dental health. We recommend an annual oral evaluation to track it.
What are the signs of dental pain in pets?
Pawing at the mouth, dropping food, chewing on one side, bad breath, and reduced appetite can all indicate dental pain, even when pets don't show obvious signs of discomfort.
Is dental disease really that common?
Yes — an estimated 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of oral disease by age three, which is why annual evaluations matter even when nothing looks obviously wrong.
Will my pet need teeth removed?
Not always. Many pets just need a cleaning. Extractions are only performed on teeth that are too diseased to save, to eliminate ongoing pain and infection.
What Does It Cost?
Cost depends on the extent of cleaning needed and whether extractions are required. We'll provide an estimate after the oral exam, before your pet's dental appointment.
