Dental disease is the most common health condition in adult dogs and cats, yet it is also one of the most preventable. At Alta Vista Animal Hospital in Dunbar, Vancouver, our dental care services include professional cleanings, digital dental X-rays, tooth extractions, and preventive care guidance designed to keep your pet's mouth healthy and comfortable throughout their life. Oral health is directly connected to heart, kidney, and liver health, making regular dental care an important part of your pet's overall wellness.
A professional dental cleaning performed under general anesthesia is the only way to effectively remove plaque and tartar from both above and below the gumline, where harmful bacteria accumulate and cause periodontal disease. Our team performs a full oral examination prior to cleaning, uses ultrasonic scaling equipment to remove deposits from all tooth surfaces, and polishes the enamel to slow future buildup. General anesthesia ensures a safe, thorough, and stress-free cleaning for your pet and allows our team to examine every surface of the mouth carefully.
Some dental conditions, including advanced periodontal disease, fractured teeth, retained baby teeth, or teeth that cannot be saved, require extraction to relieve pain and prevent ongoing infection. Dental extractions at Alta Vista Animal Hospital are performed with appropriate nerve blocks and pain management so your pet is as comfortable as possible during and after the procedure. Most pets recover quickly following extractions and show significant improvement in comfort and behavior within days. We provide complete post-procedure home care instructions.
Scaling removes accumulated tartar and plaque from both the visible crown of the tooth and the tooth root below the gumline. Below-gumline scaling is a critical component of a professional dental cleaning and requires general anesthesia for safety and thoroughness. Tartar that forms below the gumline is the primary driver of periodontal disease and bone loss, making this step essential for pets with any degree of tartar accumulation. Our team uses specialized hand instruments and ultrasonic scalers to address both areas effectively.
Up to 70% of the tooth structure in dogs and cats lies below the gumline and cannot be evaluated without dental radiography. Dental X-rays reveal root infections, bone loss, tooth resorption (particularly common in cats), retained roots, and other conditions that are entirely invisible during a visual examination. At Alta Vista Animal Hospital, dental radiographs are taken during professional cleanings for all patients and whenever any tooth or area appears abnormal, ensuring that no significant dental concern goes undetected.
Following scaling, the tooth surfaces are polished to smooth micro-abrasions created by the cleaning process. Smooth enamel surfaces are significantly more resistant to bacterial adhesion, which slows the re-accumulation of plaque and extends the time between professional cleanings. Polishing is a standard component of every professional dental cleaning at our clinic and takes only a few minutes to complete. It is one of the simplest and most effective steps in long-term dental disease prevention.
Professional cleanings are most effective when combined with a consistent home care routine. At-home dental care for pets includes tooth brushing with pet-safe toothpaste, dental chews that meet VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) standards, and dental rinses or water additives when brushing is not tolerated. Our team will recommend the most practical and effective options for your pet's individual situation and show you how to introduce tooth brushing gradually as a positive, low-stress routine.
Book a dental assessment for your pet at Alta Vista Animal Hospital in Dunbar, Vancouver. A healthy mouth is a healthier pet. Call (604) 221-5858 or book online at https://altavistaanimalhospital.ca/make-an-appointment/. Open seven days a week.
