Inside a Veterinary Dental Procedure: What Your Pet’s Dental Visit Really Involves

If your pet has been booked in for a dental procedure, you may be wondering what actually happens behind the scenes. Is it just a quick tooth cleaning, or something more involved?

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At Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic, dental procedures are thorough, safe, and tailored to each individual pet. Dental health is about more than just fresh breath—it's about preventing pain, infection, and long-term health complications. Whether it’s a routine cleaning or treatment for advanced dental disease, every step is designed to improve your pet’s comfort and quality of life.

In this post, we’ll take you through what really happens during a veterinary dental procedure and explain why dental care is an essential part of your pet’s overall health.

 North Vancouver Vet

Why Dental Health Matters

Dental disease is one of the most common health conditions we see in dogs and cats. By age 3, most pets already show signs of periodontal disease, which affects the gums and tissues supporting the teeth. If left untreated, this condition can lead to:

• Chronic pain

• Tooth loss

• Difficulty eating

• Bad breath

• Systemic infections affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys

Many pets with dental disease don’t show obvious symptoms, making regular dental exams and cleanings essential for early detection and prevention.

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What Happens During a Veterinary Dental Procedure?

Veterinary dental procedures go far beyond a quick brush or scale. These are comprehensive treatments performed under general anesthesia to ensure safety, comfort, and a thorough evaluation of your pet’s entire mouth.

Here’s what you can expect when your pet has a dental procedure at Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic:

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1. Pre-Anesthetic Assessment

Before the dental procedure, we perform a complete physical exam and may recommend bloodwork. This helps us ensure your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia and allows us to tailor the anesthetic protocol to their specific needs.

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2. Anesthesia and Monitoring

Dental procedures require general anesthesia because pets won’t tolerate having instruments in their mouth while awake—especially under the gumline where the most important work is done. Anesthesia also prevents stress and pain.

While your pet is under, a trained veterinary technician continuously monitors:

• Heart rate

• Breathing

• Blood pressure

• Oxygen levels

• Body temperature

Our monitoring equipment and protocols are similar to what you’d find in a human hospital.

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3. Oral Examination and Charting

Once your pet is safely anesthetized, we perform a detailed examination of the entire mouth, checking for:

• Loose or broken teeth

• Gum inflammation (gingivitis)

• Receding gums or pockets

• Oral masses or abnormalities

• Tooth resorption (especially common in cats)

All findings are recorded on a dental chart to track changes over time and guide treatment.

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4. Full-Mouth Dental X-Rays

Dental radiographs (X-rays) are essential to detect problems hidden below the gumline—such as abscesses, bone loss, root fractures, or impacted teeth. More than half of each tooth is below the surface, so we can’t fully assess dental health without imaging.

5. Ultrasonic Scaling and Subgingival Cleaning

Using an ultrasonic scaler, we remove hardened plaque (tartar) and bacteria from both above and below the gumline. This subgingival cleaning is the most critical part of the procedure, as bacteria beneath the gums cause the most damage.

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6. Polishing

After scaling, we polish the teeth with a fine paste to smooth the enamel. This helps prevent plaque from sticking as easily in the future and gives those teeth a shiny finish.

7. Extractions (If Needed)

If any teeth are severely damaged, loose, or infected beyond repair, they may need to be extracted. We use local anesthetic nerve blocks to manage pain, and your pet will go home with appropriate pain relief and recovery instructions.

All extractions are performed with great care to ensure minimal trauma and promote healing.

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8. Recovery and Discharge

After the procedure, your pet is moved to a warm, quiet recovery area where they are closely monitored until they are fully awake. Most pets go home the same day.

You’ll receive a full dental report, before-and-after photos, and detailed aftercare instructions—including any medications and feeding guidelines.

What Happens After the Dental Procedure?

Healing from a routine dental cleaning is quick, and most pets bounce back the same evening. If your pet had extractions or more extensive work, they may need a few days of rest and soft food.

To maintain oral health after a dental procedure, we recommend:

• Brushing your pet’s teeth daily (or as often as possible) with a pet-safe toothpaste

• Dental chews or diets approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)

• Water additives to reduce oral bacteria

• Annual checkups to monitor dental health

We’re happy to help you find a dental home care routine that works for you and your pet.

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A Healthy Smile Means a Healthier Pet

Dental disease is painful, progressive, and preventable. Regular dental care—from home brushing to professional cleanings and treatments—can make a huge difference in your pet’s health and happiness.

If you’ve noticed bad breath, tartar buildup, or signs of oral discomfort, don’t wait—contact Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic to schedule a dental consultation. We’re here to help your pet feel better, eat better, and live better—with a clean, healthy mouth to match.