Pet Dental Care by Skilled Professionals

A complete oral examination is a very important part of your pet’s wellness care. Our goal is to provide the most current veterinary dental care to enhance the overall health and longevity of your special pet. Your BBVA/DVA vets are skilled in pet dental cleaning and care and will assist you in developing a dental plan that meets the needs of your animal companion.

Dental disease, such as tartar buildup, gingivitis, periodontitis, and feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions, is extremely common in veterinary medicine. Some pets will need yearly professional veterinary dental care under anesthesia, while others may not need any additional care. Only an oral exam will determine the appropriate course of action, and this exam is performed at your pet’s regular wellness visit.

Veterinary Dental Cleaning

General anesthesia is required for a professional dental cleaning. Pre-anesthetic blood work is performed to help ensure your pet’s safety under anesthesia. We use only the safest forms of anesthesia and pain control — in fact, the gas anesthesia and many of the drugs are exactly the same as would be used for an elderly human. In most cases, even geriatric patients and patients with chronic diseases can be safely anesthetized to treat their dental disease.

Once anesthetized, your pet’s teeth are ultrasonically scaled and polished. The veterinarian can then fully examine the teeth, record all problems, and determine an appropriate course of therapy for your pet. Dental radiographs may be required to see what pathology lies below the gums.

Mild periodontal problems can be treated at the time of the cleaning and may be followed by a course of antibiotics. Severe periodontal problems may require dental extractions. All teeth are treated with fluoride before your pet is recovered from anesthesia.

Once fully awake, your pet can go home the same day and resume normal activity. Our veterinarians will provide you with a care plan for home maintenance, which may include specific foods and treats, as well as brushing your pet’s teeth.

The quality of dental and surgical care and technology at BBVA/DVA is state of the art, with comprehensive dental equipment at both locations. Our newly constructed Dedham facility includes a dental X-ray unit, an ultrasound machine, and a carbon dioxide laser unit. Our surgical facilities include exceptional patient anesthesia, warming, and monitoring equipment. Your pet is in the hands of skilled professionals from initial sedation to full alertness and recovery. After this procedure, your animal companion is returned to you with a healthier mouth and a dazzling smile.

View our Dental Care and Disease handout for more about our dental care services for pets.

Read a summary of the AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Pets.