Dental health is one of the most overlooked aspects of pet care, yet it has a direct impact on your pet’s overall health and quality of life. By age three, most dogs and cats have some degree of dental disease. Alpha Animal Hospital in Abbotsford provides comprehensive dental care services for dogs and cats, from routine dental cleanings to extractions and oral health assessments. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., serving pets throughout Abbotsford and the Fraser Valley.
A professional dental cleaning under general anesthetic is the most effective way to address plaque, tartar, and periodontal disease in dogs and cats. Unlike at-home brushing, a veterinary dental cleaning allows us to clean beneath the gum line, where the majority of harmful bacteria accumulate. During the cleaning, we also perform a complete oral examination to identify any abnormalities including fractured teeth, pocket formation, or growths. We use an ultrasonic dental scaler for thorough and efficient cleaning, followed by polishing to smooth the tooth surface and slow the reattachment of plaque.
When a tooth is severely fractured, abscessed, or affected by advanced periodontal disease, extraction is often the most appropriate course of action. Leaving a diseased tooth in place can cause ongoing pain and allow infection to spread. Our team performs extractions with care, using appropriate pain management before, during, and after the procedure to keep your pet comfortable throughout recovery. Most pets resume normal eating behavior within a day or two of an extraction.
Dental radiographs reveal the portion of the tooth below the gum line, which cannot be assessed visually. The majority of dental disease in dogs and cats occurs below the gum line, making dental X-rays an essential part of any thorough dental examination. We use dental radiography to assess the roots of teeth before and after extractions, identify bone loss from periodontal disease, and detect abnormalities that would otherwise go undetected.
Scaling removes the hard mineral deposits, known as calculus or tartar, that accumulate on the tooth surface over time. Polishing follows scaling to smooth the enamel surface, which slows the reattachment of plaque and bacteria. These two steps are performed together as part of every professional dental cleaning at our clinic.
A complete oral health assessment is performed at every dental visit and is also included as part of your pet's annual physical examination. We examine each tooth individually, assess the gum tissue, check the tongue, palate, and surrounding soft tissue, and note any areas of concern. Early identification of dental issues allows us to address them before they become more complex and more costly to manage.
Dental surgery including surgical extraction of impacted or fractured teeth is performed as part of our dental care services. When more complex oral surgical intervention is required beyond our in-house capabilities, we can coordinate a referral to a veterinary dental specialist.
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Most dogs and cats benefit from a professional dental cleaning once a year. Pets with a history of dental disease, certain breeds prone to dental problems, or those who do not tolerate at-home brushing may need more frequent cleanings. Our team will assess your pet’s oral health at every visit and make a personalized recommendation.
General anesthesia is required for a thorough, safe dental cleaning in pets. Anesthesia allows us to take dental X-rays, clean beneath the gum line, and perform extractions if needed, without causing stress or pain. We perform pre-anesthetic bloodwork for all dental patients to assess their suitability and tailor the anesthetic protocol to their individual needs.
Common signs include bad breath, red or bleeding gums, visible tartar or brown discoloration on the teeth, difficulty chewing, dropping food, excessive drooling, or pawing at the mouth. Many pets hide dental pain well, which is why a professional oral examination is important even when no obvious symptoms are present.
Yes, and daily brushing is the most effective way to slow plaque accumulation between professional cleanings. Use a toothpaste formulated for pets, as human toothpaste can be harmful. Our team can show you a technique appropriate for your pet and recommend products to get started.
Will my pet need a tooth extracted?
Give your pet a healthy mouth. Book a dental cleaning at Alpha Animal Hospital in Abbotsford by calling (604) 859-6322. Open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. Online appointment requests are also available.
