Dental disease is the most common health condition diagnosed in dogs and cats, yet it is frequently undertreated because the signs are not always obvious. By the time a pet shows outward signs of oral pain, disease has typically been progressing for months or years. At Norgate Animal Hospital in North Vancouver, our dental care services are designed to detect, manage, and prevent oral disease at every life stage. Healthy teeth and gums are not just about fresh breath. They affect your pet's ability to eat comfortably, their systemic health, and their overall quality of life.
A thorough dental cleaning requires general anesthetic. It cannot be done safely or effectively in an awake patient. During a professional dental cleaning, we remove plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces above and below the gum line, probe each tooth and pocket for signs of periodontal disease, perform dental X-rays to evaluate root and bone health that cannot be seen on visual inspection, polish the tooth surfaces to reduce future plaque adhesion, and document findings in a dental chart. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork is strongly recommended and we discuss anesthetic protocols with you before the procedure.
Dental X-rays are essential to a complete dental assessment. Studies consistently show that significant disease is present below the gum line in a substantial proportion of patients that appear normal on visual inspection alone. Root resorption, bone loss, periapical abscesses, retained roots, and cysts are only visible on X-ray. We perform full-mouth dental X-rays as a standard part of every professional dental cleaning, ensuring that findings below the surface are not missed. Dental X-ray findings directly inform our extraction and care decisions.
When a tooth is fractured, has advanced periodontal disease, has an abscess, is retained from the puppy or kitten set, or is causing crowding or malocclusion, extraction is often the most appropriate course of action. Leaving a compromised tooth in place causes ongoing pain and can be a source of systemic infection. We perform extractions carefully and completely, confirm full root removal with post-extraction X-ray where needed, and provide clear home care instructions and pain management for the recovery period.
Scaling removes the hardened calculus deposits that cannot be removed by brushing and that harbor the bacteria responsible for periodontal disease. Polishing smooths tooth surfaces after scaling, making it harder for new plaque to adhere. An oral health assessment at every wellness exam allows us to score the degree of dental disease present and advise on timing for a professional cleaning. We use a structured dental scoring system and document changes over time. We will also advise on home dental care including brushing technique and VOHC-approved dental products.
Complex dental cases requiring surgical extraction of multi-rooted teeth, surgical management of jaw fractures, removal of oral masses, or management of tooth resorption lesions are handled as part of our surgical services. Oral masses are sent for histopathology after removal to confirm the nature of the lesion and guide any further recommendations. If a dental case requires a level of care beyond our scope, we will refer you to a veterinary dental specialist with a full summary of our findings.
Professional dental cleanings are most effective when supported by consistent home care between visits. Daily tooth brushing with a pet-safe enzymatic toothpaste is the most effective home dental care option. We demonstrate brushing technique and help you establish a routine. For pets that will not tolerate brushing, VOHC-approved dental chews, water additives, and dental diets provide meaningful benefit when used consistently. Starting home dental care in puppyhood and kittenhood, when pets are more accepting of mouth handling, makes the long-term habit much easier to maintain.
Does your pet's breath concern you, or are they due for a dental check? Call Norgate Animal Hospital in North Vancouver at (604) 980-2222 or book online. Healthy teeth make a real difference to how your pet feels every day.
