Dentistry

Just like humans, pets need regular dental care to stay healthy. Dental disease is one of the most common medical conditions seen in dogs and cats—affecting over 80% of pets by the age of three. Without proper care, plaque and tartar can lead to painful gum infections, tooth loss, and even damage to the heart, liver, and kidneys as bacteria enter the bloodstream.

Signs of Dental Disease in Pets:

Bad breath
Yellow or brown buildup on teeth
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
Drooling or dropping food from the mouth
Pawing at the mouth or face
Reluctance to eat or chew

If you notice any of these signs, your pet may already be experiencing discomfort due to dental disease.

Our Dental Services

We offer comprehensive dental care to protect your pet’s oral and overall health. Our services include digital dental X-rays, which allow us to assess the condition of the teeth below the gumline—where most dental disease begins and often goes unnoticed. We perform professional dental cleanings under general anesthesia to safely and thoroughly remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline. If any teeth are found to be damaged beyond repair or are causing pain, our veterinarians can perform safe extractions to relieve discomfort and prevent further health complications.

All dental procedures are performed under general anesthesia with continuous monitoring to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort throughout. To keep your pet as pain-free as possible, we use a multimodal pain management plan that combines local and systemic medications. This approach provides optimal pain control while supporting a smoother, faster recovery.

Routine dental care is one of the most effective ways to improve your pet’s comfort, health, and quality of life. Ask us about your pet’s oral health during their next visit—or schedule a dental consultation today.

Keep Your Pet’s Teeth and Gums Healthy With Regular Dental Care

By prioritizing your pet’s dental care, you promote their overall well-being. At Rustburg Veterinary Clinic, we provide a range of pet dentistry services, including exams, cleanings, extractions, and X-rays, so your furry friend’s teeth and gums stay healthy.

Regular pet dental care helps prevent periodontal disease and reduces the risk of oral pain and difficulty eating. Good dental hygiene can also prevent the spread of bacteria and inflammation to other organs, such as the heart and kidneys.

Dental Exams

During pet dental exams, our veterinarian examines the teeth, gums, and mouth for signs of dental issues, such as tartar buildup, gum inflammation, or tooth decay. We also assess bite alignment and look for abnormalities requiring further treatment or preventive measures. We may recommend a dental cleaning to conduct a deeper cleaning of your pet’s teeth if necessary.

Pet Dental Cleanings

A pet dental cleaning for a cat or dog involves a comprehensive procedure performed under general anesthesia. Our veterinarian examines the oral cavity, removes tartar and plaque, and checks for underlying issues. Your pet’s teeth are then polished to help discourage future plaque accumulation.

After the cleaning, we’ll monitor your pet as they wake up from anesthesia and keep them warm and comfortable until it’s time to go home. We’ll also provide any follow-up instructions and answer additional questions.

Pet Tooth Extractions

If we notice any diseased or damaged teeth during your pet’s cleaning, we will contact you about extractions right away. We perform tooth extractions under anesthesia and prefer to include the procedure during dental cleanings.

Our veterinarian carefully extracts the damaged tooth and takes measures to promote healing and alleviate discomfort. We’ll monitor your pet after anesthesia and provide follow-up instructions and any necessary medications when they go home.

Schedule Your Pet’s Dental Care Exam Today

If you notice any signs of pet dental issues, including excessive drooling or bad breath, we can help! Contact Rustburg Veterinary Clinic to schedule a dental care appointment.

Contact Us