Veterinary Dentistry & Dental Surgery

A thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment will be completed for your pet before the dental exam.

Depending on your pet’s health and individual needs, the veterinarian may recommend bloodwork before the procedure.

Your pet will be placed under anesthesia for the dental exam and treatment. Additional diagnostics, such as chest radiographs or an ECG, may also be recommended.

Anesthesia is administered to all patients undergoing dental procedures. This  allows us to do a thorough examination and cleaning as well as capturing any required X-rays safely and efficiently without undue stress on the pet. 

Once your pet is under anesthesia, we will conduct a complete, tooth-by-tooth, oral examination and charting. Their teeth will cleaned and polished (including under the gum line) and X-rays may be taken. We then apply a fluoride treatment to each tooth, as well as dental sealant to prevent plaque from attaching to the enamel.

If any oral health concerns are discovered, the veterinarian will develop a custom treatment plan, which may include dental surgery, and discuss it with you.

Your veterinarian may recommend a follow-up examination be scheduled two weeks after the initial appointment. 

During this visit, we will discuss any concerns and provide advice on at-home care for your pet's teeth. 

Like people, dogs and cats can develop dental disease when plaque and tartar are allowed to build up on their teeth. Over time, this buildup can lead to periodontal disease, tooth decay, bad breath, pain, and even tooth loss.

Regular veterinary dental cleanings help remove plaque and tartar before they cause more serious problems. Combined with good at-home oral care, routine dental visits can help keep your pet's teeth and gums healthy while supporting their overall comfort and well-being.

We recommend that most dogs and cats see a veterinarian for a dental checkup once a year. Dogs and cats who are prone to dental problems may require more frequent appointments. 

Dogs and cats experiencing dental problems may show a variety of signs, including excessive drooling (sometimes tinged with blood), pawing at the mouth, teeth grinding, repeated yawning, reduced grooming, or dropping food while eating. Some pets may also chew on only one side of their mouth or appear reluctant to eat hard food or treats.

Other common signs of dental disease include persistent bad breath, red or swollen gums, visible tartar buildup, and discoloured or damaged teeth. In more advanced cases, dental pain may lead a pet to stop eating.

As well as causing problems such as cavities, bad breath and periodontal disease, oral health issues and conditions may lead to disease in the liver, kidney, heart, and other areas throughout your pet's body.

Regular brushing and appropriate dental chews can help limit plaque buildup and keep your furry friend's teeth and gums healthier between veterinary visits. If you're unsure where to start, our team would be happy to recommend an at-home dental care routine that's right for your dog or cat.

Cats and dogs are unable to understand what is going on during dental procedures, and will often react by by struggling or biting. Using anesthesia puts less stress on pets and allows us to examine their mouth safely.

Dental health issues which may require dental surgery include: cracked or broken teeth; tooth decay; severe gum disease (periodontitis); jaw fractures; temporomandibular joint (TMJ); luxation; or dysplasia feline stomatitis.