Pet Dentistry
Dental Care for Healthy Pets’ Mouths
MyVet treats oral health as a part of your pet’s overall bodily wellness. We offer pet dentistry services for cats and dogs because pets can experience dental issues that impact their comfort, appetite, and long-term health. Our team provides dental cleanings, radiographs, and extractions for the expert dentistry care your pet deserves.
Dental Cleanings with a Veterinarian
Dental cleanings for pets go far beyond keeping breath smelling better. They’re a critical preventive measure to protect against gum disease and tooth loss. Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to inflammation, bad breath, and even affect your pet’s organs if bacteria enter the bloodstream.
Unlike with humans, we can’t tell our pets to stay still during a cleaning, so our veterinary dental cleanings are performed under anesthesia to keep your pet safe and comfortable. We require pre-anesthetic bloodwork to evaluate your pet’s organ function so that we can confirm it is safe to proceed with sedation. During the dental cleaning, we use specialized tools to scale away tartar above and below the gumline and polish the teeth to prevent future buildup.
Routine dental care for your pet maintains a healthier mouth. It also reduces the chances your pet will need more invasive oral procedures down the line. We are also happy to discuss at-home dental care recommendations to support your pet between cleanings.
Why Do Pets Need Dental Radiographs?
Dental X-rays (radiographs) are used to assess the health of your pet’s teeth below the surface. Since part of a pet’s tooth lies beneath the gumline, visual exams alone aren’t enough. Veterinarians view dental pet radiographs to identify problems like root abscesses, bone loss, and hidden fractures that might not be visible during a routine check.
These digital dental X-rays are a part of many dental procedures we perform, including cleanings. They guide treatment decisions and detect concerns before they worsen.
Tooth Extractions for Pets
Even with the best preventive efforts, sometimes a pet’s tooth is too damaged or infected to save. In these cases, a tooth extraction may be the right choice to relieve your pet’s pain and prevent further issues.
Reasons for a pet tooth extraction can include advanced periodontal disease, broken teeth, resorptive lesions (in cats), or oral infections. As with dental cleanings, all extractions are performed under anesthesia, and pre-anesthetic bloodwork is always required as a safety measure.
We prioritize your pet’s comfort with appropriate pain control throughout the extraction process and after the procedure. Our veterinary team will discuss post-extraction care and how to help your pet recover at home. Most pets feel noticeably better after having a painful tooth removed, and many go back to eating and playing like their usual selves within a week or two.
Pet Dentistry in Chesapeake
Routine dental care for pets can prevent pain, improve quality of life, and support total body health. At MyVet, we treat each pet patient with compassion and care. Whether your pet needs a routine dental exam or several tooth extractions, our pet dentistry services will contribute to better oral health. Schedule a dental consultation for your cat or dog at MyVet. Let’s keep your pet’s mouth healthy together.
Dental Care FAQs
Why does my pet need a teeth cleaning?
Dental disease can affect your pet’s overall health if bacteria enter the bloodstream and impact the heart, liver, or kidneys. Routine teeth cleanings keep your pet’s mouth healthy and can prevent more serious dental problems over time.
How often does my pet need a dental cleaning?
The frequency of dental cleanings depends on your pet’s age, breed, overall health, and oral hygiene. Many cats and dogs benefit from dental cleanings once a year. Our veterinarian will examine your pet’s mouth during their annual exam and let you know if they’re due for a cleaning.
How can I care for my pet’s teeth at home?
Brushing your pet’s teeth regularly with pet-safe toothpaste is one of the best ways to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Dental chews, approved treats, and veterinarian-recommended dental diets may improve oral hygiene at home. Ask us about recommendations for your pet!
What dental care services are available at MyVet?
MyVet offers many pet dentistry services for cats and dogs in the Chesapeake area, including dental exams, teeth cleanings, digital dental radiographs (X-rays), and tooth extractions. Our veterinary team gives guidance on at-home dental care, too, to support your pet’s oral health between visits.
MyVet offers pet dentistry for cats and dogs in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Moyock, Grassfield, and surrounding areas.