Pet Dentistry
Why Pet Dental Care Matters
Dental disease is one of the most common—and most preventable—conditions affecting dogs and cats. By age 3, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of periodontal disease. Many show no obvious signs of discomfort, even when the disease is actively progressing.
Left untreated, periodontal disease doesn’t stay contained to the mouth. Bacteria from oral infections can enter the bloodstream and contribute to complications in the heart, kidneys, and other organs. As a result, routine dental care isn’t just about clean teeth—it’s a meaningful part of your pet’s overall health.
Professional Dog & Cat Dental Cleanings
Good pet dental care starts with professional cleanings performed by our trained veterinary team. While a basic visual exam can be done while your pet is awake, a thorough dental evaluation requires short-term, carefully administered anesthesia. This allows us to safely perform digital dental X-rays, probe the gum line, clean below the gum line, and polish tooth surfaces.
Our dental suite includes an ultrasonic scaler to ensure complete removal of plaque and tartar. We use advanced digital imaging to diagnose issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye—including bone loss, root disease, and hidden fractures. We recommend dental exams every six months, with professional cleanings as directed by your veterinarian.
Signs of Dental Disease in Dogs & Cats
Pets often hide oral pain, so it’s important to know what to look for. Contact us if your dog or cat shows any of the following:
- Bad breath that persists or worsens
- Loose, discolored, or tartar-covered teeth
- Reluctance to eat or unexplained weight loss
- Dropping food from the mouth or difficulty chewing
- Pulling away when touched near the mouth
- Drooling more than usual
- Bleeding from the mouth or gums
These signs can indicate active dental disease that needs prompt attention. Catching oral health concerns early, such as during routine wellness exams, makes them easier to treat and better for your pet.
Anesthesia & Monitoring
We understand that anesthesia can feel like a concern. Our team takes every precaution to make the process as safe as possible for your pet. Before any dental procedure, we perform pre-anesthetic blood testing to confirm your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia and to determine the appropriate amount for their size and condition.
Throughout every procedure, a dedicated veterinary technician monitors your pet’s vital signs using advanced digital monitoring equipment. After the procedure, your pet continues to be observed until they are fully recovered. We also use multimodal pain management before, during, and after every dental procedure to keep your pet as comfortable as possible at every stage.
What Is Veterinary Oral Surgery?
Some pets require more than a cleaning. Fractured teeth, severe periodontal disease, tooth root abscesses, and oral tumors may all require surgical intervention. Our team is experienced in veterinary oral surgery, including tooth extractions and treatment of advanced dental disease. When oral surgery is necessary, we discuss the procedure thoroughly with you beforehand so you know exactly what to expect.
At-Home Dental Care
A professional cleaning is a strong foundation—but home care matters too. Daily tooth brushing is the most effective way to slow plaque accumulation between professional visits. Plaque that builds up and hardens into tartar can progress to periodontitis, a condition characterized by chronic infection, oral pain, and eventual tooth and bone loss.
If you’re not sure where to start with home brushing, our team is happy to show you. We’ll walk you through the process and recommend products that work well for dogs and cats. We can also help you design a diet for your pet that can better support their dental health and weight via our nutritional counseling services.
FAQs About Pet Dentistry
How often does my pet need a professional dental cleaning?
Is anesthesia safe for dental procedures?
My pet isn't showing any signs of dental pain. Do they still need a dental exam?
Can I brush my pet's teeth at home?
At what age should dental care begin?
As early as possible. Getting puppies and kittens comfortable with mouth handling and brushing sets them up for a lifetime of easier dental care. Our team will assess dental development and establish a care plan starting at your pet's first wellness visit. Learn more about our puppy and kitten care services.
Dental Care That Supports Whole-Pet Health
Oral health and overall health are deeply connected, and routine pet dentistry is one of the most impactful ways to support both. At Lake Anna Veterinary Hospital, our dog and cat dental cleanings are performed with careful anesthesia protocols, digital dental imaging, and genuine attention to each patient’s comfort and safety. For pets throughout Central Virginia, our team is here to make dental care a consistent, low-stress part of their long-term health plan.
Veterinary Services
Pet Wellness & Preventative Care
Senior Pet Care