Pet Dentistry

Bad breath is not something you have to live with. At V.E.T. Care Hospital in Burleson, TX.

What Happens During a Dental Cleaning

A thorough dental cleaning requires general anesthesia so we can clean and examine your pet’s teeth, including below the gumline. Before the procedure, we assess your pet’s health and may recommend pre-anesthetic bloodwork. We tailor the anesthesia plan to your pet, and a team member monitors them throughout.

During the cleaning, we remove plaque and tartar, then check the teeth and gums for signs of disease, fractures, or loose teeth. If a tooth needs to be extracted, we’ll explain the finding and the recommended treatment.

Dental care is an important part of routine care for dogs and cats. Problems below the gumline may be painful even when your pet’s teeth look fine at home.

Common Questions About Pet Dental Care

Questions about anesthesia, how often your pet needs a cleaning, and cost are common. We’ve answered those below. To recommend care for your pet, we’ll first need to examine their mouth and discuss what we find.

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How often should pets have a dental cleaning?

The right interval depends on your pet’s dental health. Some dogs and cats need cleanings more often than others, and small breed dogs can be especially prone to dental problems. At each wellness visit, we’ll examine your pet’s mouth and recommend a cleaning based on what we find.

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Why does a dental cleaning require anesthesia?

A thorough dental cleaning requires anesthesia because much of the important work happens below the gumline. It allows us to examine each tooth, clean all its surfaces, take dental X-rays when needed, and treat diseased teeth without causing pain or fear. Cleaning only the visible tartar may make the teeth look better, but it can leave disease beneath the gums untreated.

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Can I have my pet's teeth cleaned without anesthesia?

We do not offer anesthesia-free dental cleanings. They remove visible tartar but cannot adequately clean or examine beneath the gumline, where dental disease often develops. A tooth may look cleaner afterward even though the underlying problem remains. For a thorough assessment and cleaning, we recommend a dental procedure under anesthesia.

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What signs mean my pet needs a dental exam?

Persistent bad breath, drooling, dropping food, pawing at the mouth, or avoiding favorite chew toys can all be signs of dental pain. Red or bleeding gums and loose or broken teeth also warrant an exam. If your dog or cat has changed how they eat or play, call us to have their mouth checked.

Why Dental Disease Is More Than Bad Breath

Dental disease can cause pain and damage the gums and bone that support your pet’s teeth. Infection in the mouth may also affect overall health, which is one reason regular dental exams matter.

Pets often keep eating despite a painful mouth, so discomfort can be easy to miss. After treatment, some owners notice their pet eating more comfortably or returning to toys they had stopped chewing.

Caring for Your Pet’s Teeth at Home

Home care between cleanings does more for your pet’s mouth than any single procedure can.

Brushing your pet’s teeth daily is ideal, but even brushing a few times a week can help. Dental diets, water additives, and appropriate chews may also support oral health. Ask us which products are a good fit for your pet.

We check your pet’s mouth at every preventive and wellness care visit and will let you know when a professional cleaning is needed. Dental health is also an important part of senior pet care. Explore our veterinary services for more ways we can help.

Key symptoms

Bad breath, drooling, dropping food, or losing interest in chew toys can be signs of dental discomfort. If you notice any of these changes, schedule an exam so we can check your pet’s mouth.

What to look for in the mouth

Watch for yellow buildup, broken or loose teeth, red or bleeding gums, pawing at the mouth, facial swelling, or a loss of appetite. These signs warrant a dental exam.