Dental Care

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No one likes to go to the dentist, and it’s especially true about kids and pets. Fortunately, most parents can talk to their kids into flossing and brushing. Pets, on the other hand, need a little more supervision in the area of oral hygiene.   

Dental disease, including periodontitis, gingivitis, enamel damage, and tooth decay, is by far the most common medical problem for pets. This is largely caused by the standard diet: foods rich in carbohydrates, usually offered as a dry kibble.     

Pets with severe dental disease typically act normally, including eating and chewing. The first sign for owners is usually the smell, which results from inflamed gums and bacterial overgrowths in the mouth. Having bad teeth has significant consequences on the overall health of your pet.      

We offer our clients options for taking care of their pets' teeth and gums. One solution to remove the dental tartar is ultrasonic scaling under general anesthesia. It is fast and effective, and the teeth are polished afterwards with a high-speed polisher to smooth out any abrasions to the enamel. Dental radiographs (xrays) are completed to evaluate the teeth below the gumline. The space under the gumline is explored to check for pockets or exposed roots. Anesthesia allows for detailed examination of the mouth, including checking for tonsillitis, mouth polyps and tumors, and any loose or decayed teeth that may need to be extracted. If extractions are needed, the roots are gently loosened up, and the sockets stitched up with absorbable suture.   

Anesthetic dentistry is the gold standard for comprehensive oral heath care.  We encourage you to discuss regular dental cleanings with your veterinarian.

Another solution utilized by our veterinarians involves working with technicians specifically trained in anesthesia-free procedures. The anesthesia-free procedures provide a safe, gentle, and affordable way to have your pet’s teeth cleaned. The procedure involves manual scaling of all exposed surfaces of the teeth and of the crevice between the tooth and the gum, as well as polishing of exposed enamel.  As your pet is not anesthetized for this procedure a comprehensive oral exam and dental radiographs are not possible with this service.  

Non-anesthetic dentals are priced based on frequency of maintenance cleaning. Maintenance must be completed at our hospital for discounted pricing. Current prices are as follows: First cleaning or maintenance cleanings more than 5 months apart $275, 5 month maintenance cleaning $232, 4 month maintenance cleaning $196, 3 month maintenance cleaning $165, 2 month maintenance cleaning $125, 1 month maintenance cleaning $95. Prices are subject to change.  

Anesthesia-free procedures are only available to existing patients that are current on their wellness exam requirements. New patients must first establish care before booking a procedure. Learn more about anesthesia free dental options on the Animal Dental Care website.  

Our anesthesia-free dental services are popular, most appointments are booked through the end of the year.  Existing clients can be placed on a waitlist.  Alternative routes to care would be through https://www.pettooth.com/appointments.

Some pets are not good candidates for anesthesia, while others are not comfortable being handled for anesthesia free cleanings.  Our veterinarians will work with you to help you decide the approach that is right for you and your pet upon examination.  

There are a lot of products marketed to help keep your pet's oral health in top share.  Visit the VOHC website for a list of recommended products and to read up on ways to support your pet's oral health care.