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Pet Dental Care in Surrey, BC

Dental disease is one of the most common and preventable health issues affecting dogs and cats. By the age of three, the majority of pets show some signs of dental disease, yet many owners do not realize it until the condition has progressed. At 108 Avenue Animal Hospital in Surrey, BC, we provide comprehensive dental care for dogs and cats, from routine cleanings to extractions, dental X-rays, and oral health assessments. Addressing dental health proactively protects your pet’s teeth, gums, and overall wellbeing.

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Dental Cleaning for Dogs and Cats

Professional dental cleaning is the foundation of good oral health in pets. Unlike brushing at home, a professional cleaning involves scaling above and below the gumline under general anesthesia, which is required to ensure thorough cleaning and a safe, stress-free experience for your pet. During the cleaning, our team removes plaque and tartar buildup, examines all tooth surfaces and gum tissue, and identifies any areas of concern. We use dental instruments designed for veterinary patients and take care to protect the enamel throughout the procedure.

Dental X-Rays

Dental radiography allows us to assess the full structure of each tooth, including the root and the surrounding bone, which cannot be evaluated visually or with a probe alone. A large portion of each tooth lies below the gumline, and many significant dental problems including root abscesses, bone loss, and retained roots are invisible without X-ray. We take full-mouth or targeted dental X-rays as part of every dental procedure and use the findings to guide our recommendations. Digital dental radiography provides clear, detailed images with minimal radiation exposure.

Oral Health Assessment

A thorough oral health assessment is performed at every dental visit and includes evaluation of the gum tissue for signs of inflammation and recession, examination of all tooth surfaces for fractures and discoloration, probing of gingival pockets to assess attachment loss, and assessment of the oral mucosa for any abnormal tissue. Findings are documented and used to develop a dental care recommendation for your pet. An oral health assessment is also included as part of every annual wellness examination.

Tooth Extractions

Tooth extractions are performed when a tooth is severely damaged, fractured, infected, or affected by advanced periodontal disease beyond the point of saving. Leaving a compromised tooth in place causes ongoing pain and serves as a focus for infection that can affect surrounding teeth and overall health. We perform extractions with careful technique and appropriate pain management before, during, and after the procedure. Most patients recover quickly from extractions and show noticeable improvement in comfort and appetite within a few days of the procedure.

Scaling and Polishing

Scaling removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline using ultrasonic and hand instruments. This is performed under general anesthesia to allow thorough cleaning of all tooth surfaces, including the areas beneath the gumline where bacteria accumulate. Polishing follows scaling to smooth the tooth surface, removing any microscopic roughness left by scaling. A smooth surface is more resistant to rapid plaque re-attachment, extending the benefit of the cleaning. Together, scaling and polishing form the core of a professional dental cleaning.

Home Dental Care and Prevention

Professional dental cleanings are most effective when supported by at-home care. Daily tooth brushing with a pet-specific toothpaste is the most effective preventive measure between professional cleanings. We teach brushing technique at any visit and can recommend dental care products suited to your pet's temperament and tolerance. For pets that do not tolerate brushing, dental chews, water additives, and appropriate dental toys can provide some degree of plaque control. Our team is happy to help you develop a realistic home dental routine for your dog or cat.

Explore More Services

Surgical Services including dental surgery
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Pet Diagnostics for dental X-rays and pre-anesthetic blood panels
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Wellness Program including annual oral health assessment
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How do I know if my dog or cat has dental disease in Surrey, BC?

Common signs include bad breath, visible tartar buildup on the teeth, red or swollen gum tissue, reluctance to chew hard food, drooling, or pawing at the mouth. However, many pets with dental disease show no obvious signs until it has progressed significantly. Annual oral health examinations allow us to catch dental disease early.

Why does my pet need anesthesia for a dental cleaning?

General anesthesia is required to clean below the gumline safely and thoroughly, and to take dental X-rays. A pet that is awake cannot stay still enough for the procedure to be done safely or effectively, and anesthesia eliminates stress and discomfort. We perform pre-anesthetic blood panels to confirm your pet is healthy for anesthesia before every dental procedure.

How often does my pet need a professional dental cleaning?

Most dogs and cats benefit from a professional dental cleaning once a year. Pets prone to rapid tartar buildup or with a history of dental disease may need more frequent cleanings. Your veterinarian will recommend a schedule based on your pet’s individual oral health status.

Is it safe for older dogs and cats to have dental surgery?

Age alone is not a reason to avoid necessary dental care. Pre-anesthetic blood panels and a thorough physical examination are performed before every dental procedure to confirm your pet is a suitable candidate. Many older pets experience significant quality of life improvement following dental care that addresses long-standing pain from dental disease.

Can I brush my cat's teeth at home in Surrey, BC?

Age alone is not a reason to avoid necessary dental care. Pre-anesthetic blood panels and a thorough physical examination are performed before every dental procedure to confirm your pet is a suitable candidate. Many older pets experience significant quality of life improvement following dental care that addresses long-standing pain from dental disease.

Book your pet’s dental cleaning or oral health assessment at 108 Avenue Animal Hospital in Surrey, BC. Open 7 days a week. Call (604) 581-1108 or book online at 108aveanimalhospital.com/contact/.

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