Dental Care for Dogs and Cats in North Vancouver
By age three, most dogs and cats show some level of dental disease, and the early stages rarely come with obvious symptoms. A regular dental exam and a professional cleaning under anaesthesia are still the most reliable way to keep teeth, gums, and the rest of the body healthier for longer. Our North Vancouver clinic offers a full dental service including cleaning, full-mouth digital radiographs, and extractions when needed. Call (604) 980-2222 to book a dental exam.
Why dental care matters for dogs and cats
Teeth are the obvious part. The less obvious part is the chronic low-grade inflammation that comes with periodontal disease, which can affect organ function over time. Bad breath is a clue, but many serious dental issues stay quiet until they have progressed. Pets are also stoic about pain. A dental exam is one of the most useful preventive tools we have, and it is one of the easiest ways to extend comfort and quality of life.
What a professional dental cleaning includes
A professional dental cleaning at our Marine Drive clinic begins with pre-anaesthetic bloodwork and a tailored anaesthetic plan. The actual cleaning includes ultrasonic scaling above and below the gumline, polishing to smooth tooth surfaces, full-mouth digital radiographs to look for disease below the gumline, and a tooth-by-tooth oral exam. If extractions are needed, we discuss them with you before proceeding. Pets go home the same day with clear written aftercare instructions.
Dental radiographs and what they show
Dental disease often hides below the gumline where no exam can see it. Full-mouth digital radiographs are the only reliable way to find resorptive lesions in cats, root fractures, abscesses, and bone loss around teeth that look healthy from above. We include radiographs as part of every professional dental cleaning so nothing important is missed.
Extractions and pain management
Sometimes a tooth cannot be saved. When that is the case, careful extraction with appropriate pain control and recovery support is far kinder than leaving a painful tooth in place. Our team uses local nerve blocks, multimodal pain control, and gentle techniques so pets recover comfortably. Many families tell us their pet seems more like themselves within a week of a problem tooth being removed.
Home dental care between visits
Brushing remains the gold standard for between-visit care, even a few times a week makes a difference. Dental diets, water additives, and approved chews all play a supporting role. Our team can help you find a routine that actually works for your dog or cat's personality and your home life.
Senior pet dentals and anaesthesia concerns
It is a common worry that older pets cannot safely have a dental. With proper screening, a tailored anaesthetic protocol, and modern monitoring, age alone is rarely a reason to skip needed dental work. We talk through the specific picture for your senior pet so the decision feels informed, not rushed.
Questions, answered.
How often does my dog or cat need a dental cleaning?
Most pets benefit from a professional cleaning every one to two years, with the exact cadence based on what we see at oral exams. Some breeds need more frequent cleanings.
Why is anaesthesia needed for a dental?
A thorough cleaning means scaling below the gumline, polishing, and full-mouth radiographs. None of that is safely or completely possible on an awake pet. Anaesthesia keeps it painless and lets us do the job properly.
What are the signs my pet has a dental problem?
Persistent bad breath in cats and dogs is usually a sign of dental disease. Healthy pets should not have significantly offensive breath. Bad breath indicates bacterial buildup on the teeth and gums and often points to an underlying level of periodontal disease that needs to be addressed. A dental assessment will identify the cause.
Will my pet need teeth removed?
Not necessarily. If teeth are healthy, we clean and polish. If radiographs or the exam show disease that cannot be saved, we discuss extractions before proceeding.
How long is recovery from a dental?
Tooth resorption is a painful condition in which the tooth structure breaks down from within, often with no outward sign until the condition is advanced. It affects a significant proportion of adult cats and is best detected on dental X-ray. The most effective management is extraction of affected teeth. If your cat is reluctant to eat hard food, is pawing at their mouth, or has lost weight, a dental assessment is warranted.
Book your dog or cat’s dental exam in North Vancouver. Our team will walk you through what we see and recommend a plan. Call (604) 980-2222