Veterinary Dentistry & Dental Surgery

Our veterinary dentistry team at Canyon Animal Hospital offer preventive and restorative pet dental healthcare and surgery for cats and dogs. 

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Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams

At least once annually, your dog or cat should come in for a dental examination. Pets who are more prone to dental issues may need more frequent appointments. 

Canyon Animal Hospital veterinary dentistry team can assess, diagnose and treat dental health problems in cats and dogs.

• Symptoms

  If you notice any of the following symptoms in your pet, it's time for a dental checkup.

  • Bad breath 
  • Discolored teeth 
  • Tartar buildup
  • Loose and/or broken teeth
  • Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
  • Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
  • Bleeding from the mouth
  • Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
  • Abnormal chewing, drooling or dropping food from the mouth 

  Contact Us to Book a Dental Checkup
• Assessment

  Before the dental exam, your pet will undergo a thorough pre-anesthetic physical examination.

  We will take blood and urine analyses to ensure it's safe for your pet to undergo anesthesia. Additional diagnostics, such as chest radiographs or an ECG may also be conducted. 

  Once your pet is sedated, we will perform a thorough oral examination (tooth by tooth) and charting.

• Treatment

  The teeth are then cleaned and polished (including beneath the gum line), and x-rays are taken. Each tooth is then given a fluoride treatment.

  Finally, a dental sealant is applied to prevent plaque from adhering to the enamel. If advanced periodontal disease is discovered, the veterinarian will devise a treatment plan and consult with you on it.

• Prevention

  A follow-up examination should ideally be scheduled two weeks after the initial evaluation and treatment appointment.

  During this visit, we will talk about how to brush your teeth at home. We can also recommend products that will help your pet's oral health.

FAQs About Pet Dental Care

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we've received from clients about pet dental care.

• Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?

  Similar to people, our pets can develop tooth decay or periodontal disease as a consequence of poor oral health. 

  When animals eat, plaque sticks to their teeth and can accumulate, then form tartar if not regularly brushed away. 

  This can lead to infections in the mouth, tooth decay, periodontal disease and even loose or missing teeth. That's why regular dental care is essential to preventing pain or disease in the gums. 

• How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?

  Were you aware that behavior may point to oral health issues? If your pet is experiencing problems with their teeth, you may notice them pawing at their mouth or teeth, or they may drool excessively (and the drool may contain blood or pus). They might also grind their teeth, yawn excessively or stop grooming sufficiently. 

  Other signs of dental problems include swollen gums, tooth discoloration and bad breath. Some pets may even suffer from pain that keeps them from eating. Find out more about symptoms under Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams. 

• What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?

  Besides causing issues ranging from bad breath and cavities to severe periodontal disease, oral health problems and conditions can lead to disease in the kidney, heart, liver and other areas in your pet's body. 

  Tumors or cysts may develop. Your pet may also not feel well in general (if you've ever had a toothache, you know how your mood can be impacted!). Diseases associated with oral health conditions can also shorten your pet's lifespan and cause significant pain. 

  That's why regular dental care is so vital to animals' physical health and well-being. 

• What happens during a pet tooth cleaning appointment?

  During your pet’s regular oral exam, the vet will examine his or her mouth and look for oral health conditions or any symptoms needing treatment.

  The vet will clean tartar and other debris from your cat's or dog's teeth. If cavities, gingivitis, or other conditions need to be addressed, the vet will explain these to you and provide advice on which actions you should take. 

  In some cases, surgery will be needed to treat serious conditions. Your pet will be provided with anesthesia before their dental procedure to ensure they are comfortable and do not experience any pain. However, special care will be needed post-surgery. 

  If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a dental appointment with us. 

• What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?

  At home, you should brush your pet's teeth regularly and give them dental chew toys. These will help eliminate plaque. 

  Do not allow them to chew on things that will damage their teeth, such as bones, toys, or objects that are too hard. Always contact your vet with any questions or concerns regarding your pet's oral health.