Your pet’s mouth does more than eat and chew, it’s a window into their overall health. Dental disease is one of the most common, and most overlooked, health concerns we see in dogs and cats. As part of our dental care services, we offer routine professional dental cleanings designed to catch problems early and keep your pet comfortable for years to come.
If your pet has bad breath, stained teeth, or seems uncomfortable while eating, a dental cleaning may be exactly what they need. Dr. Jessica Johnson, DVM, and our team approach every cleaning with a low-stress, Fear-Free focused mindset, so your pet feels as calm and safe as possible from check-in to recovery.
A professional dental cleaning, sometimes called a prophylaxis, starts with a pre-anesthetic exam and bloodwork to confirm your pet is a good candidate for anesthesia. We monitor your pet closely throughout the procedure using safe, modern anesthesia protocols, the same standard we would want for our own pets.
Once your pet is safely and comfortably under anesthesia, we use ultrasonic scaling to remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline, where periodontal disease actually begins. We follow scaling with polishing to smooth the tooth surface, which helps slow future buildup. We also take full-mouth dental X-rays to check for problems hiding beneath the gums, like root infections or bone loss, that we could never see with a visual exam alone.
If we find a tooth that is too damaged or painful to save, we will talk with you about next steps, including extraction, before doing any additional work.
Signs your pet may benefit from a professional cleaning:
Most dogs and cats benefit from a professional cleaning about once a year, though pets prone to tartar buildup may need them more often. We also offer wellness exams that include an oral health check, so we can catch dental disease before it becomes painful. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, periodontal disease affects the majority of dogs and cats by age three, which is why we recommend starting preventive dental care early. We accept CareCredit, ScratchPay, and most major pet insurance providers, including a direct-pay arrangement with Trupanion, to help make dental care manageable. Visit our payment options page for details.
Dr. Johnson and our team are committed to compassionate, low-stress dental care for every dog and cat we see. Catching tartar buildup and gum irritation early, before it turns into periodontal disease, is one of the simplest ways to support your pet’s comfort, appetite, and long-term health.
If you’ve noticed changes in your pet’s breath, appetite, or behavior, we would love to help. Contact us to talk through scheduling a dental cleaning consultation for your dog or cat.
Let’s work together to give your pet the happy, healthy life they deserve.
