Professional Dental Cleanings for Dogs and Cats
A professional dental cleaning at Brentwood Animal Hospital involves a thorough examination of the oral cavity, scaling to remove plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces, polishing to smooth the enamel, and flushing to remove any remaining debris. Dental cleanings are performed under general anesthesia to ensure your pet is comfortable and still, allowing our team to evaluate every tooth and the gum tissue around it. We assess the depth of gum pockets, evaluate for tooth mobility, and check for any areas of concern that may require further attention during the procedure.
Digital Dental X-Rays
Many dental problems in dogs and cats occur below the gum line, where they are not visible during a standard oral exam. Digital dental X-rays allow our team to evaluate the roots of the teeth, the surrounding bone, and the internal structure of each tooth. These images help us identify concerns such as root resorption, retained roots, fractured teeth, and bone loss around the roots. Digital X-rays are an important part of every comprehensive dental cleaning, giving us a complete picture of your pet’s oral health that we cannot get from visual examination alone.
Tooth Extractions
When a tooth is damaged, infected, or causing discomfort, extraction may be the most appropriate option to restore your pet’s quality of life. Our veterinary team performs extractions as part of the dental cleaning visit, with appropriate pain management protocols before, during, and after the procedure. After an extraction, most pets recover quickly and resume eating normally within a day or two. Our team will provide clear at-home care instructions and schedule a follow-up to confirm healing is progressing well.
Scaling and Polishing
Scaling removes hardened tartar from the tooth surface and below the gum line, where bacterial accumulation contributes to inflammation and gum disease. Polishing follows scaling to smooth the enamel and slow future plaque build-up. Together, these steps help protect your pet’s gum tissue and tooth roots from ongoing damage. Our team uses veterinary-specific dental equipment to perform scaling and polishing safely under anesthesia. Regular professional cleanings, combined with at-home brushing where your pet will tolerate it, provide the best long-term protection for your pet’s oral health.
Dental Care for Puppies, Kittens, and Senior Pets
Dental health concerns affect pets at every life stage. Puppies and kittens may develop retained deciduous teeth that require extraction to allow permanent teeth to come in properly, and our team evaluates the bite and occlusion at early visits. Adult pets benefit from annual dental evaluations to catch early signs of gum disease or tooth wear before they progress. Senior dogs and cats are more likely to develop painful dental conditions, including tooth root abscesses and advanced periodontal disease, making regular monitoring especially important. Our team will build a dental care plan around your pet’s specific age, breed, and oral health history.
