Dental disease is one of the most common and most overlooked health problems affecting dogs and cats in Victoria. By the age of three, most pets have some degree of dental disease. Dental problems cause pain and discomfort that pets rarely show in obvious ways, can affect appetite and quality of life, and in advanced cases may contribute to systemic health concerns. At Midtown Veterinary Hospital, dental care for dogs and cats is performed under general anesthesia to allow complete evaluation and scaling of all tooth surfaces above and below the gumline, in a safe and controlled environment. We are open Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12 PM to 8 PM.
A professional dental cleaning at Midtown Veterinary Hospital begins with general anesthesia and full pre-anesthetic assessment. Once your pet is safely anesthetized and monitored, we perform a complete oral examination, charting any abnormalities before cleaning begins. The cleaning itself involves removal of plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces including below the gumline using ultrasonic scaling equipment. After scaling, teeth are polished to smooth the enamel surface, which slows future plaque accumulation. A professional cleaning is the only way to safely and thoroughly address below-gumline deposits that cause periodontal disease. Most healthy adult dogs and cats benefit from an annual dental cleaning.
Dental radiographs are taken as part of a comprehensive dental assessment and reveal what is happening below the gumline, where the majority of dental disease occurs. X-rays show the tooth roots, surrounding bone, and the presence of root infections, retained roots, bone loss, and tooth resorption lesions, which are common in cats. Many teeth that appear intact on the surface have significant disease visible only on radiograph. Full-mouth dental X-rays are recommended for every dental procedure and are included as part of our comprehensive dental care. Findings on X-ray directly guide decisions about whether a tooth can be saved or requires extraction.
Tooth extraction is recommended when a tooth is too diseased, fractured, or structurally compromised to be retained. Retained teeth cause ongoing pain and may serve as a source of infection. Extraction under general anesthesia ensures your pet is comfortable throughout the procedure. Multi-rooted teeth require surgical extraction, with careful removal of each root to prevent root fragments from remaining. Post-extraction care involves appropriate pain management and a soft diet for a short recovery period. Many pets show marked improvement in comfort and energy following extraction of painful teeth, even when owners did not notice obvious signs beforehand.
Dental scaling removes accumulated tartar and calculus both above and at the gumline. Tartar is a hardened mineral deposit that cannot be removed by brushing at home once it has formed. Without professional removal, tartar accumulation leads to gingivitis, and over time, to periodontal disease with bone loss around the tooth roots. Polishing follows scaling to smooth the cleaned enamel surface. Smooth enamel is more resistant to plaque adhesion and slows the rate of tartar accumulation between cleanings. Regular professional scaling and polishing, combined with home dental care between visits, provides the best long-term protection for your pet's teeth.
Dental surgery encompasses more complex oral procedures beyond routine extraction, including removal of oral masses affecting the gum, lip, or oral mucosa, correction of jaw fractures, and management of conditions affecting the hard palate or oral structures. Dental surgical cases identified during a routine dental cleaning are addressed at the same appointment whenever possible, reducing the number of anesthetic events your pet requires. For cases requiring specialist dental surgery expertise, we will discuss a referral to a veterinary dental specialist and coordinate your pet's care.
Professional dental cleanings are most effective when supported by regular home dental care between visits. Daily toothbrushing with a toothbrush and toothpaste designed for dogs or cats is the most effective home care option available. Human toothpaste must never be used, as it contains fluoride and often xylitol, both toxic to pets. Starting a toothbrushing routine when your pet is young makes it far easier to maintain. For pets that do not tolerate brushing, dental rinses, water additives, and specific dental diets can provide supplementary support. Our team will discuss the home care options most appropriate for your pet at their dental visit.
Most dogs benefit from an annual professional dental cleaning under anesthesia. Some breeds, including small and toy breeds, are predisposed to faster tartar accumulation and may benefit from more frequent cleanings. Your veterinarian will assess the condition of your dog’s teeth at each wellness visit and recommend the appropriate frequency for your individual pet.
With appropriate pre-anesthetic bloodwork and careful monitoring, dental cleaning can be performed safely in senior pets. In fact, dental disease is often worse in older pets who have had less dental care, making the benefit of addressing it high. We tailor the anesthetic protocol to each patient’s health status. The risk of untreated dental disease in older pets often outweighs the anesthetic risk of addressing it.
Cats are very good at hiding dental discomfort. Signs to watch for include bad breath, drooling, pawing at the mouth, reduced appetite or preference for soft food, dropping food while eating, and behavioral changes such as increased withdrawal or reduced grooming. Many cats show no obvious signs even with significant dental disease, which is why oral examination at every wellness visit matters.
Anesthesia-free dental cleaning is performed on a conscious pet and can only address the visible surface of the tooth. It cannot safely access below the gumline, where the majority of dental disease occurs, and cannot obtain diagnostic X-rays. It also carries a risk of injury to an unsedated pet during the procedure. Veterinary dental organizations do not support anesthesia-free cleaning as a standard of care. We do not offer it because it does not provide the comprehensive assessment and cleaning your pet’s teeth require.
Home toothbrushing is highly valuable and does slow tartar accumulation, but it cannot replace professional cleaning entirely. Brushing removes plaque before it hardens into tartar, but once tartar is present, it can only be removed with professional scaling. The combination of consistent home care and annual professional cleanings gives your pet the best long-term dental outcomes.
Book a dental exam or professional dental cleaning for your dog or cat at Midtown Veterinary Hospital in Victoria. Call us at (778) 775-8387 or book online at https://petportal.vet/midtown-veterinary-hospital/appointment/request. Early dental care prevents the pain and expense of advanced dental disease. New clients are welcome.
