During a dental cleaning, your pet will be placed under anesthesia. This allows your pet to be relaxed during the procedure. First, dental x-rays (radiographs) are taken of the whole mouth. Then, our veterinarians evaluate your pet's teeth to create a personalized treatment plan. Our veterinary hygienists scale the teeth, removing the tartar from the surface of the tooth as well as under the gumline. The final steps are to polish the teeth and apply fluoride treatment.

If diseased or damaged teeth are found, the pet benefits from specialized care to help preserve the teeth or dental extractions if the tooth damage is advanced. Pain relief and antibiotics are sent home after the procedure as appropriate.

Pets benefit from dental care because it prevents pain and future complications. Pets are good at hiding pain, and you may not realize that your pet's mouth is uncomfortable. Pets usually continue to eat even when their teeth are loose and painful. Dental cleanings remove tartar and resolve gingivitis which prevents future tooth loss from periodontal disease. So regular cleanings prevent dental pain and discomfort in your pet.

A home dental care routine does wonders for your pet by slowing tartar buildup and decreasing gingivitis. You can brush your pet's teeth with a toothbrush and pet toothpaste. Train your pet to accept the brushing routine by gradually introducing touching of the face, then lifting of the lips, then brushing. (This is easier to do with dogs than with cats.) Dental treats for cats and dental chews for dogs are also helpful. Select products recommended by the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council). Practice home dental care for your pets 4-7 times a week. Bones and other hard items are to be avoided as they break teeth.