Dental care for dogs and cats at Cleary Lake
At Cleary Lake Veterinary Hospital, we provide comprehensive dental care for dogs and cats to help maintain healthy teeth, gums, and overall well-being. Our dental services include professional dental cleanings, polishing, and evaluation of the teeth and oral cavity. We also have digital dental radiography, allowing us to take full-mouth X-rays during dental procedures. These detailed images help our veterinarians identify problems below the gumline, including tooth root disease, bone loss, fractures, and other abnormalities that may not be visible during a routine examination. Full-mouth dental X-rays allow us to provide a more thorough evaluation and determine the appropriate treatment for your pet’s individual needs.
What to expect during your pet’s dental procedure
Dental care starts with an exam so we can look at your pet’s mouth and talk about any concerns. Professional cleanings are done under general anesthesia, and we may recommend bloodwork beforehand to help plan for a safe procedure.
While your pet is asleep, we take full-mouth digital X-rays, clean above and below the gumline, polish the teeth and examine each tooth and the rest of the mouth. If we find a problem such as a damaged or diseased tooth, we will review the findings and recommended treatment with you.
Signs your dog or cat may need dental care
Dental disease is common, and pets often hide mouth pain. Schedule a dental exam if you notice:
- Bad breath
- Red, swollen or bleeding gums
- Yellow or brown buildup on the teeth
- Broken, loose or discolored teeth
- Drooling, dropping food or chewing on one side
- Pawing at the mouth or a change in appetite
Regular dental checkups and home care help keep small problems from turning into painful ones, and they are a simple way to support your pet’s comfort and overall health.
Schedule your pet’s dental exam
Healthy teeth help your pet feel their best. Call us at (952) 435-8387 to book a dental exam or ask about a professional cleaning.
Dentistry - FAQ
Why does my pet need anesthesia for a dental cleaning?
Pets will not hold still for X-ray sensors placed in the mouth or for careful cleaning below the gumline, where much dental disease hides. Anesthesia keeps your pet comfortable and still, allows a full exam of every tooth, and lets us protect the airway during the procedure. Your pet is closely monitored the entire time. Source: American Veterinary Dental College
Is anesthesia-free teeth cleaning a good alternative?
Veterinary dental organizations oppose anesthesia-free dental cleaning. Scraping tartar from an awake pet may make teeth look cleaner, but it does not allow a complete exam, dental X-rays or cleaning below the gumline, where disease does the most damage. Professional cleaning under anesthesia remains the standard of care. Source: Feline Veterinary Medical Association
Why are dental X-rays so important for cats?
Many feline dental problems are hidden below the gumline. Tooth resorption, a painful condition where the tooth structure breaks down from the inside, affects an estimated 30% to 70% of cats and is the most common cause of tooth loss in cats. Diagnosing it requires X-rays taken under anesthesia along with a careful oral exam. Source: Cornell Feline Health Center
How can I care for my dog’s teeth at home?
Daily toothbrushing is the best way to remove plaque. If your dog will not allow brushing, wiping the outer surfaces of the teeth with gauze every two to three days still helps. Use toothpaste made for pets, not people. Products listed by the Veterinary Oral Health Council can also help, and we are happy to show you how to get started. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual
How can I tell if my cat has a dental problem?
Cats rarely show pain, so dental problems are easy to miss. Watch for bad breath, red or swollen gums, pawing at the mouth and refusing hard food. If you notice any of these signs, schedule an exam. A thorough dental evaluation, including X-rays, requires general anesthesia. Source: Cornell Feline Health Center
