Comprehensive Dentistry

Dental disease is the most common medical condition we see in dogs and cats and possibly the disease that takes most pet owners by surprise. We hope to change this by providing early recommendations and intervention strategies. By three years of age, the majority of pets show some degree of periodontal disease — often without obvious signs at home.

Dental disease is not simply “bad breath.” It is a progressive infectious and inflammatory condition that affects the gums, tooth roots, and surrounding bone. Over time, untreated dental infection can cause chronic pain and has been associated with systemic effects involving the heart, liver, and kidneys.

As our understanding of oral health has evolved in the veterinary world, so has our approach. We take dentistry seriously because the long-term implications are significant.

Our comprehensive dental procedures are performed under general anesthesia and include:

• Full oral examination and dental charting
• Digital dental radiographs to evaluate roots and bone below the gumline
• Ultrasonic scaling and polishing
• Targeted oral surgery when disease is advanced
• Individualized treatment planning and aftercare instructions

Dentistry is performed under anesthesia for both safety and quality. An endotracheal tube protects the airway from water, bacteria, and tartar debris during the cleaning process, reducing the risk of aspiration. Anesthesia also allows us to thoroughly evaluate each tooth, clean below the gumline, obtain dental radiographs, and perform precise surgical procedures when necessary. Awake “non-anesthetic” cleanings do not allow for proper evaluation or treatment of disease below the gumline.

Many dental problems occur beneath the surface and cannot be seen without radiographs. Visual inspection alone is not sufficient to assess true oral health.

We recommend early and proactive intervention. Addressing dental disease before it becomes severe reduces pain, improves long-term outcomes, and helps control cost.

We do not want anyone to ever be surprised about dentistry. A routine dental cleaning without extractions is typically $600-$900. When advanced disease is present and extractions are required, costs can increase significantly — sometimes into the thousands — due to the time, surgical expertise, anesthesia monitoring, and advanced imaging involved.

Your home care plays a critical role. Daily tooth brushing is the most cost-effective way to slow the progression of periodontal disease and reduce the need for more extensive procedures over time. We understand brushing can feel overwhelming at first, and we are happy to provide guidance and realistic strategies. See our toothbrushing tips and tricks to get started.