Dental Care

Healthy teeth mean a healthier, happier pet. At Companion Animal Clinic, we offer professional pet dental care to prevent and treat dental disease in dogs, cats, and even exotic pets. Dental disease is one of the most common, and most overlooked, health issues in pets. Left untreated, it can lead to pain, infection, and even damage to the heart, liver, and kidneys.
 
With regular teeth cleanings and at-home care, you can protect your pet’s smile and overall well-being. Whether your pet is due for a routine cleaning or showing signs of dental discomfort, we’re here to help every step of the way.
 

What to Expect During Your Pet’s Professional Teeth Cleaning

Professional pet teeth cleanings are performed under general anesthesia to allow for a thorough, pain-free cleaning, above and below the gumline. Before the procedure, your pet will receive a complete physical exam and pre-anesthetic bloodwork to ensure it’s safe to proceed.
 
During the cleaning, we use hand instruments and ultrasonic tools to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and under the gums, followed by polishing to smooth the enamel and reduce future buildup. If we find any damaged or infected teeth, we’ll contact you to discuss next steps, which may include extractions. We also take dental X-rays when needed to evaluate tooth roots and jaw health.
 
After the procedure, we’ll review at-home care instructions and answer any questions to keep your pet’s teeth healthy between visits.
 

Pet Dental Care Services We Provide

Pet Dental Cleanings

Routine professional cleanings remove tartar, freshen breath, and help prevent periodontal disease. Regular dental care can also reduce the risk of heart, liver, and kidney problems linked to oral bacteria.

Dental X-Rays

Many dental issues lie below the gumline where they can’t be seen. Digital dental radiographs help us evaluate roots, bone loss, and other hidden problems so we can make informed treatment decisions.

Extractions & Oral Surgery

When a tooth is damaged or diseased beyond repair, extraction may be the best way to relieve pain and restore health. We perform oral surgery when needed and provide thorough aftercare to support healing.

FAQs

Most pets benefit from annual professional cleanings, but some, especially small breeds or pets with existing dental issues, may need them more frequently. We’ll help you determine the right schedule for your pet.

Yes. Anesthesia allows us to clean below the gumline where plaque and bacteria hide, which can’t be done safely while your pet is awake. It also keeps your pet still and pain-free during the procedure.

Bad breath, red or bleeding gums, difficulty eating, pawing at the mouth, and yellow or brown buildup on the teeth can all indicate dental disease. If you notice any of these, we recommend you schedule a dental exam.

Absolutely. Rabbits, guinea pigs, and ferrets are all prone to dental issues, especially overgrown teeth or abscesses. We’re experienced in exotic pet dental care in Blacksburg and can evaluate and treat these species safely.

Brushing your pet’s teeth daily (or as often as possible) is the gold standard. We can also recommend dental chews, water additives, and diets that support oral health between cleanings.

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