Veterinary Dentistry & Dental Surgery in Sacramento

The veterinary team at South Sacramento Pet Hospital is proud to provide preventive and restorative dog and cat dental care to companion pets in our community.

Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams

Just like your own annual checkups at the dentist, your cat or dog's dental health should be attended to at a dental examination of their own at least once every year. Pets who are more susceptible to oral health issues may need to visit us more often.

South Sacramento Pet Hospital can assess, diagnose and treat dental health problems in cats and dogs. 

• Symptoms

  If you notice any of the following symptoms in your pet, it's time for a dental checkup.

  • Bad breath 
  • Tartar buildup
  • Discolored teeth 
  • Loose and/or broken teeth
  • Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
  • Bleeding from the mouth
  • Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
  • Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
  • Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth 

  Contact Us to Book a Dental Checkup
• Assessment

  A thorough pre-anesthetic physical assessment will be completed for your pet before the dental exam. 

  We will take blood and urine analyses to ensure it's safe for your pet to undergo anesthesia. Additional diagnostics, such as chest radiographs or an ECG may also be conducted. 

  Once your pet is under anesthesia, we will conduct a complete oral examination (tooth by tooth) and charting. 

• Treatment

  Next, the teeth are cleaned and polished (including under the gum line) and x-rays are taken. We then apply a fluoride treatment to each tooth. 

  The last step in the process is to apply a dental sealant in order to prevent plaque from attaching to their enamel. If we detect advanced periodontal disease, our vets will develop a treatment plan and discuss it with you.

• Prevention

  Ideally, a follow-up examination will be scheduled two weeks after the initial assessment and treatment appointment. 

  During this visit, we will discuss implementing teeth brushing at home. We can also recommend products that can help improve your pet's oral health. 

FAQs About Pet Dental Care

Here are some of the most commonly-asked questions about veterinary dentistry and pet dental care from our clients. 

• Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?

  Our pets can develop periodontal disease or tooth decay as a consequence of poor oral health. 

  Just like in humans, when animals eat, plaque sticks to their teeth and can build up into tartar if not brushed away regularly. 

  It's possible that this can lead to infections in your pet's mouth, periodontal disease, loose and missing teeth or tooth decay. Because of this, regular dental care is critical to prevent pain or disease in the gums.

• How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?

  Did you know that your pet's behavior may actually be an indicator of oral health issues? If your pet is experiencing dental problems, they may drool excessively (and it may contain pus or blood), or you may notice them pawing at their teeth and mouth. Your dog or cat may also grind their teeth, yawn excessively, or stop grooming themselves sufficiently.

  Other signs of oral health problems include bad breath, swollen gums, and tooth discoloration. Some pets may even suffer from pain that keeps them from eating. Read more about symptoms to the left under Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams. 

• What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?

  Besides causing problems ranging from cavities and bad breath to severe periodontal disease, oral health issues and conditions can lead to disease in the liver, kidney, heart, and other areas throughout your pet's body. 

  Your pet may develop cysts or tumors in their mouth or the rest of their body. They may also feel unwell (if you've ever had a toothache we're sure you can sympathize). On top of this, diseases related to oral health issues can shorten an animal's lifespan and cause them significant pain. 

  This is why regular dental care is so essential to animals' physical health and wellbeing. 

• What happens during a pet teeth cleaning appointment?

  During your pet’s regular oral exam, the vet will examine his or her mouth and look for oral health conditions or any symptoms needing treatment.

  Our vets will clean tartar and other debris from your dog or cat's teeth. If gingivitis, cavities or other conditions need to be addressed, our vets will explain these to you and provide some advice about which actions you should take. 

  In some cases, surgery will be needed to treat serious conditions. Your pet will be provided with anesthesia before their dental procedure to ensure they are comfortable and do not experience any pain. However, special care will be needed post-surgery. 

  If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a dental appointment with us. 

• What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?

  At home, you should brush your pet's teeth on a regular basis and give them dental chew toys. These will help eliminate plaque. 

  Don't let your pet chew on things that may damage their teeth like hard plastic objects, bones, or metal. Always contact your vet if you can any questions about your pet's oral health.