Valencia Veterinary Center provides both preventative and restorative dental care through checkups and surgeries for cats and dogs in the Santa Clarita area.
Comprehensive Dental Care for Cats & Dogs
Good oral hygiene is critical to the overall health of your cat or dog. And routine professional dental care is key to maintaining that. However, many pets don't receive the oral hygiene care they need to stay healthy and happy.
At our Santa Clarita veterinary clinic, our vets are proud to offer complete dental care for your beloved pet. This ranges from basics like teeth cleaning, dental exams and tooth polishing, to surgeries and x-rays.
We are also passionate about dental health education about home dental care for pet owners.
Dental Surgery in Santa Clarita
In know that having to get dental surgery for your pet can be an overwhelming experience. However, we do our best to make sure the process is a stress-free as possible for you and your pet.
We will take every measure we can to make sure your pet's experience is easy and comfortable. We will also walk through each step with you in detail before the procedure, including what you should your pet prepare for and recover from the surgery.
We offer jaw fracture repair surgeries, tooth extractions and gum disease treatment for dogs and cats.
Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams
Your pet should always come in for a dental checkup at least once per year. Cats and dogs who are more prone to dental issues may need to attend even more checkups.
Valencia Veterinary Center can assess, diagnose and treat dental health problems in cats and dogs.
- Symptoms
If you notice any of the following symptoms in your pet, it's time for a dental checkup.
- Loose and/or broken teeth
- Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
- Tartar buildup
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Abnormal chewing, drooling or dropping food from the mouth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Bad breath
- Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
- Discolored teeth
- Assessment
We will conduct a comprehensive physical examination for your pet before their dental exam.
We will take blood and urine analyses to ensure it's safe for your pet to undergo anesthesia. Other diagnostics, like chest radiographs or an ECG may also be required.
Once your pet has been administered anesthesia, our vets will conduct a tooth by tooth oral examination of your pet.
- Treatment
Your pet's teeth are then cleaned and polished, including below their gum line. We will take x-rays and apply fluoride to each tooth.
The final step is to apply a dental sealant to prevent plaque from attaching to the enamel. If we've detected advanced periodontal disease in the course of our exam, we will discuss our findings and your options with you.
- Prevention
We will schedule a follow-up examination to be scheduled a couple of weeks after the initial assessment and treatment appointment.
During this visit to our office, we will speak with you about at-home dental care methods and recommend products that will help keep your pet's oral health to a high standard.
FAQs About Pet Dental Care
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from our patients about pet dental care.
- Why do pets need their teeth cleaned?
Our pets are able to develop periodontal diseases just like people can as a consequence of poor oral health.
Just like in humans, when animals eat, plaque sticks to their teeth and can build up into tartar if not brushed away regularly.
This can lead to infections in your pet's mouth, tooth decay, loose or missing teeth and periodontal disease. Because of this, regular dental care is essential to your pet's overall health and comfort.
- How can I tell if my pet has oral hygiene issues?
You may now know it, but your pet's behavior can be an indicator of oral health issues.
If your pet is experiencing dental problems, or they may drool excessively (and the drool may contain pus or blood), or you may notice them pawing at their mouth or teeth. They may also yawn excessively, grind their teeth, or stop grooming sufficiently.
Other signs of oral health problems include bad breath, swollen gums, and tooth discoloration. Some pets may even suffer from pain that keeps them from eating. Read more about symptoms to the left under Pet Teeth Cleaning & Exams.
- What long-term problems can poor oral health potentially cause in my pet?
Besides causing problems ranging from cavities and bad breath to severe periodontal disease, oral health issues and conditions can lead to disease in the liver, kidney, heart and other areas throughout your pet's body.
Cysts or tumors may develop. Your pet may also not feel well in general (if you've ever had a toothache, you know how it can affect your mood!). In addition, diseases related to oral health conditions can shorten the lifespan of your pet and cause significant pain.
This is why regular dental care is so essential to animals' physical health and wellbeing.
- What happens during pet teeth cleaning appointment?
During your pet’s regular oral exam, the vet will examine his or her mouth and look for oral health conditions or any symptoms needing treatment.
The vet will clean tartar and other debris from your cat's or dog's teeth. If cavities, gingivitis or other conditions need to be addressed, the vet will explain these to you and provide advice on which actions you should take.
In some cases, surgery will be needed to treat serious conditions. Your pet will be provided anesthesia before their dental procedure to ensure they are comfortable and do not experience any pain. However, special care will be needed post-surgery.
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a dental appointment with us.
- What should I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between dental appointments?
At home, you should brush your pet's teeth on a regular basis and give them dental chew toys. These will help eliminate plaque.
Do not allow them to chew on things that will damage their teeth, such as bones, toys or objects that are too hard. Always contact your vet with any questions or concerns regarding your pet's oral health.
Veterinary Dentistry: Anesthesia & Your Pet's Oral Health
Cats and dogs do not understand what is going on during dental procedures, and will often react to dental procedures by struggling or biting. We provide anesthesia to all of our patients before performing dental procedures. This puts less stress on the animals and allows us to x-ray their mouth as needed.