Dental Care

Pets, like people, benefit from regular dental check-ups and cleanings.

Professional veterinary dental cleanings

Routine dental cleaning can increase a pet’s life expectancy by three to five years. Our Safe Harbor veterinary professionals believe in the importance of preventive care, and we take dental care seriously. A professional dental cleaning includes:

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Anesthesia

Professional veterinary dental cleanings are performed under general anesthesia so we can assess your pet’s oral hygiene assessment and devise an appropriate treatment plan. We use the latest technology in surgical monitoring equipment to ensure your pet is safe during the procedure.

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Dental exam

We examine your pet’s mouth, ensuring no oral masses or tumors are present, and we chart every tooth, probing for pockets or abnormalities.

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Dental X-rays

We use a state-of-the-art digital dental X-ray unit to diagnose periodontal disease and other abnormalities undetectable by a standard oral exam. The skull region images are produced in extreme detail, allowing detection of issues such as tooth root damage, periodontal disease, gingival pocketing, nasal tumors, foreign bodies, oral cancers, hard and soft palate abnormalities, and unerupted teeth.

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Scaling

We use ultrasonic and hand-scaling techniques to clean your pet’s teeth above and below the gumline.

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Polishing

After cleaning, a fluoride-infused polish is used to create a smooth surface that helps resist tartar accumulation. A barrier sealant is also applied to slow plaque and tartar accumulation.

Advanced dental procedures

For problematic teeth, our veterinary professionals are able to provide more advanced treatments. Interceptive dental techniques, such as root planing and long-lasting antibiotic gel application, can be employed to preserve salvageable teeth. For non-salvageable teeth, extractions are performed using our safe and efficient high-speed dental drill, and we close the socket using bacteria-resistant suture material. If needed, we place bone grafting material to help speed healing. Pre- and post-extraction X-ray films are standard to ensure complete tooth removal. Pain medications are administered before, during, and after your pet’s procedure as needed to minimize their discomfort. For more complex procedures, such as endodontics and root canals, we work closely with several board-certified veterinary dentists in our area, to ensure your pet gets the care they need.

Dental care FAQs

Most pets need a professional veterinary cleaning every one to two years, but certain breeds may require cleanings more often.

Brushing your pet’s teeth is easier than you may think. With patience and perseverance, most pets—yes, even cats!—can be trained to willingly accept toothbrushing. This video demonstrates how to brush your dog’s teeth.

Daily tooth brushing is most effective, but not all pets accept this attention. We sell chicken-flavored toothpaste and finger brushes to make the process easier. We also offer home oral care products, including dental chews, water additives, and oral rinses, that help prevent tartar accumulation and bad breath.

Dental care FAQs

Most pets need a professional veterinary cleaning every one to two years, but certain breeds may require cleanings more often.

Brushing your pet’s teeth is easier than you may think. With patience and perseverance, most pets—yes, even cats!—can be trained to willingly accept toothbrushing. This video demonstrates how to brush your dog’s teeth.

Daily tooth brushing is most effective, but not all pets accept this attention. We sell chicken-flavored toothpaste and finger brushes to make the process easier. We also offer home oral care products, including dental chews, water additives, and oral rinses, that help prevent tartar accumulation and bad breath.