Pet Dental Care in East Vancouver

Dental care is one of the most commonly overlooked aspects of pet health, yet dental disease affects the majority of adult dogs and cats. At Killarney Animal Hospital in East Vancouver, we provide professional dental cleanings, extractions, scaling, polishing, X-rays, and oral health assessments, all performed under general anesthesia for your pet's safety and comfort. Our team uses dental X-rays to identify problems beneath the gumline that cannot be detected by visual exam alone.

Dental Cleaning for Dogs and Cats in East Vancouver

Professional dental cleaning removes the plaque and tartar buildup that brushing at home cannot reach, particularly below the gumline where bacteria cause the most damage. At Killarney Animal Hospital, every dental cleaning is performed under general anesthesia to allow safe, thorough access to all tooth surfaces. Our team scales and polishes each tooth, inspects the gum tissue, and assesses for early signs of periodontal disease. We recommend annual cleanings for most dogs and cats, with more frequent visits for breeds predisposed to dental disease or pets showing early-stage gingivitis.

Tooth Extractions for Dogs and Cats

When a tooth is severely damaged by decay, fracture, or advanced periodontal disease, extraction is often the most effective way to relieve pain and prevent the spread of infection. At Killarney Animal Hospital, tooth extractions are performed under general anesthesia with appropriate pain management before, during, and after the procedure. We provide detailed home care instructions and a follow-up plan to monitor healing. In some cases, extraction is combined with dental cleaning in a single anesthetic event to minimize the number of procedures your pet requires.

Veterinary Dental X-Rays in East Vancouver

Dental X-rays allow us to evaluate the roots, bone structure, and tissue below the gumline that are invisible to the naked eye. Problems such as root infections, retained root fragments, bone loss, and tooth resorption are only reliably identified through X-ray imaging. At Killarney Animal Hospital, we take full-mouth dental X-rays as part of every comprehensive dental procedure. This lets us identify and address hidden issues before they progress into more serious or painful conditions. Dental X-rays also form an important baseline record for monitoring your pet's oral health over time.

Dental Scaling and Polishing

Scaling removes accumulated calculus, the hardened mineral deposits that form on tooth surfaces and contribute directly to gum disease and tooth loss. Polishing follows scaling to smooth the tooth surface, which slows future tartar accumulation and supports healthier gum tissue. Both steps are performed as part of every professional cleaning at Killarney Animal Hospital. Because scaling requires your pet to remain still and open their mouth for an extended period, general anesthesia ensures the procedure is safe, thorough, and stress-free.

Oral Health Assessment in East Vancouver

A thorough oral health assessment evaluates every aspect of your pet's mouth, including gum condition, tooth alignment, the presence of retained baby teeth, signs of fracture or wear, and the health of the soft tissues. This assessment is included in every dental procedure at Killarney Animal Hospital and is also part of our routine wellness exams. Early identification of dental concerns allows us to address them before they become painful or require more extensive care. We will walk you through our findings and explain your options at every step.

Dental Surgery

Dental surgery, including oral mass removal, jaw fracture repair, and advanced extraction procedures, is available at Killarney Animal Hospital for cases that require surgical intervention beyond routine cleaning and extraction. Dental surgery is performed by our veterinary team under general anesthesia with full monitoring throughout the procedure. For complex oral surgical cases, we may discuss referral to a specialist if advanced surgical equipment or specialist training is indicated. See our Surgical Services page for information on procedures performed under general anesthesia.

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Surgical services and anesthesia care

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Pet care services and wellness exams

FAQs

How often should my dog or cat have their teeth professionally cleaned?

Most dogs and cats benefit from a professional dental cleaning once a year. Some breeds, particularly small-breed dogs, are more prone to dental disease and may need more frequent cleanings. At your pet’s routine wellness exam, we will assess their mouth and give you a personalized recommendation based on what we find.

Does my pet need anesthesia for a dental cleaning?

Yes. Anesthesia-free dental cleaning does not allow safe, complete access to all tooth surfaces, particularly below the gumline where dental disease begins. General anesthesia lets us clean every surface thoroughly, take dental X-rays, and address any findings without causing pain or stress to your pet.

What are signs that my pet may need a dental exam in East Vancouver?

Common signs include bad breath, visible tartar or discoloration on the teeth, red or swollen gums, reluctance to eat hard food, drooling, or pawing at the mouth. Many pets with dental disease show no obvious discomfort until the problem is advanced. Regular annual exams are the best way to catch issues early.

Can I brush my pet's teeth at home to avoid professional cleanings?

Daily brushing with pet-safe toothpaste significantly slows tartar buildup and is one of the best things you can do for your pet’s oral health. However, it does not replace professional cleanings, which address buildup below the gumline and allow us to identify hidden dental disease. We recommend both.

How do I prepare my pet for a dental cleaning appointment?

We will ask you to withhold food from your pet the evening before the procedure, typically from midnight onward, to minimize anesthetic risk. Water is generally allowed until the morning of the appointment. We will provide complete pre-procedure instructions when you book. Call us at (604) 433-5500 with any questions.

Healthy teeth support a healthier, more comfortable life for your pet. Book a dental exam at Killarney Animal Hospital in East Vancouver online or call (604) 433-5500 to schedule.