Dental Care

Why does my pet need regular dental cleanings?

Professional dental cleanings do more than make your pet’s smile sparkle; they stop plaque and tartar from turning into painful problems like gum disease, infections, or tooth loss. Cleanings also help keep harmful bacteria out of your pet’s bloodstream, protecting their heart, liver, and kidneys. Brushing your pet’s teeth at home between visits is a great way to keep their mouth healthy and reduce how often they’ll need a full dental cleaning.

What happens when my pet comes in for a dental cleaning?

At TVS, we use a modern dental suite for every cleaning and procedure, so your pet is in safe, professional hands. To keep them calm and comfortable, your pet will be under anesthesia while our team gently cleans their teeth.

The cleaning starts with scaling, where our vet techs use an ultrasonic cleaner to remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline.

Next, we polish your pet’s teeth, just like at your own dentist to smooth the enamel and help prevent plaque from building up again.

Your vet will also check for any dental problems, such as cavities or fractures, and take full dental x-rays to make sure everything under the gumline looks healthy. If your pet needs any extractions, our team can take care of them during the same visit.

What should I expect at my pet’s dental appointment?

Before your pet’s dental cleaning, we’ll see them for a short pre-surgery visit to go over the procedure and make sure they’re healthy. This includes a physical exam and some quick bloodwork to confirm they’re ready for anesthesia.

The night before, please stop feeding your pet after midnight. Water is fine until the morning, but remind everyone at home so your pet doesn’t sneak an early breakfast.

On cleaning day, you’ll bring your pet in during the morning and pick them up once the cleaning and recovery are done. We’ll keep you updated throughout the day and let you know when your furry friend is ready to head home.

Are there any special instructions after my pet’s dental appointment?

Most pets bounce back quickly after their dental cleaning and anesthesia. Some sleepiness or mild fussiness is completely normal. You can feed your pet later that evening, soft food is best if they had any extractions. If your pet had a lot of dental work done, we’ll send home pain medication to make sure they stay comfortable.

Does my pet still need a vet cleaning if I take care of their teeth at home?

Yes! Brushing and dental chews do a great job of keeping your pet’s teeth cleaner, but they can’t get rid of everything. Even with good home care, your pet still needs regular dental cleanings to keep their mouth healthy and stop small issues from turning into bigger ones.

Is anesthesia really necessary for my pet’s dental procedure?

It’s completely normal to be nervous about anesthesia, but rest assured it’s very safe and something we do every day. It’s actually riskier for your pet to have dental work done without it. Before the procedure, we’ll see your pet for a pre-surgery checkup to make sure they’re healthy and ready. During the cleaning, we use advanced monitoring equipment to keep a close eye on your pet’s safety. If your vet ever has any concerns about anesthesia, they’ll go over other options with you.

How long will my pet’s dental cleaning take?

Most dental procedures take about 1- 4 hours, depending on how much cleaning is needed and whether any extractions or other treatments are required. You’ll bring your pet in during the morning and pick them up later the same day once they’ve recovered from anesthesia.

What are the reasons pets sometimes need dental extractions?

Pets sometimes need a tooth removed for reasons like infection, decay, or a broken tooth. Gum disease caused by plaque buildup can also damage the tissue and nerves under the teeth, and in some cases, removing the tooth is the best way to stop the pain. Baby teeth that didn’t fall out, crowded teeth, or teeth that are out of place may also need to be extracted to keep your pet’s mouth healthy. Our vets will only suggest an extraction if it’s truly the best option for your pet’s wellbeing.

Will my pet be in pain during their dental procedure?

Because we use anesthesia, your pet’s dental procedure (including extractions) will be as pain-free as possible. We also use injectable pain medications and local anesthetic; it’s just like having your mouth frozen at a human dentist. After more intensive procedures like tooth extractions, we’ll send you home with pain medication to keep your pet comfortable.

Can a cleaning get rid of my pet’s smelly breath?

Bad breath is usually a sign that your pet might have dental disease or an infection. A dental cleaning often takes care of the problem and helps your pet’s breath smell fresh again. If the bad breath sticks around after their cleaning, it could mean something else is going on, and our vets can help figure out the next steps.

How do I know if my pet needs a dental cleaning?

Common signs that your pet might need a dental cleaning include bad breath, yellow or brown tartar on their teeth, bleeding gums, loose or missing teeth, or any signs of pain, like chewing on one side or pawing at their mouth. Brushing your pet’s teeth daily is the best way to prevent these problems, and our vets will check their teeth at every wellness exam to help catch any issues early.

How much will my pet’s dental cleaning cost?

Dental cleaning costs can differ from pet to pet depending on how much cleaning is needed and whether any teeth need to be removed. Before the procedure, we’ll do a pre-surgery checkup to make sure your pet is healthy and ready for anesthesia. We believe in being upfront about costs, so you’ll always know the full price before we start.

Do we need a pre visit before my pet’s appointment?

Yes! Before your pet’s dental cleaning, our vets will see them for a short pre-surgery visit. We’ll do a physical exam and some bloodwork to make sure your pet is healthy and safe to go under anesthesia.

How often should I schedule a dental cleaning for my pet?

If you brush your pet’s teeth every day, they’ll usually only need a professional dental cleaning every 2-3 years. Some smaller dogs and cats, though, may need yearly cleanings since they’re more prone to plaque and tartar buildup.

What kind of toothpaste should I use when brushing my pet’s teeth?

Make sure to use a pet-safe toothpaste made just for animals. Human toothpaste can contain ingredients like fluoride or xylitol that are harmful to pets, so it’s important to stick with products designed for them.