Your pet’s health and happiness are what matter most. A healthy mouth is a huge part of that—letting them eat comfortably, play without pain, and share all the love they have to give. We know it’s hard to think about your best friend being in any pain, which is why our approach to veterinary dentistry is built on compassion, expertise, and a gentle touch. The American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS) notes that the majority of cats and dogs show signs of oral disease by just three years old.
Most pets are incredibly good at hiding their discomfort, so you might not even know there’s a problem. Untreated dental issues aren’t just about “bad breath.” They can cause chronic, hidden pain and can even lead to more serious health problems affecting their heart, liver, and kidneys. Our team is here to help you navigate this, from simple preventive check-ups to more advanced specialty care.
What Is Veterinary Dentistry?
Think of a pet dentist as your pet’s personal dental specialist, just like the one you see. It’s a highly specialized field of veterinary medicine, and it’s about so much more than just “scraping teeth.” Our specialists are trained to diagnose and treat the entire oral cavity—the teeth, gums, tongue, and jaw—to find and fix problems that could be causing hidden pain or future illness.
Is Your Pet Silently Hiding Dental Pain?
Your pet can’t tell you where it hurts. They are programmed to hide pain, so it’s often up to us to look for the subtle clues. If you notice any of these signs, even if they seem minor, it’s worth a conversation:
- Bad breath (This is the most common sign!)
- A change in eating habits (like chewing on one side, preferring soft food, or eating less)
- Dropping food from their mouth or drooling more than usual
- Teeth that look discolored, loose, or are caked in tartar
- Pawing at their face or mouth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Being less social or seeming depressed
If you’ve noticed any of these, don’t panic. The first step is a thorough examination. We’ll sit down with you, explain exactly what we see, and talk through all your options with no pressure, only compassion.
Our Approach: Safe, Thorough, and Gentle
To truly understand your pet’s oral health, we need to look below the surface. A complete and safe oral health exam is performed while your pet is comfortably and safely under anesthesia.
A Note on Anesthesia: We know the word “anesthesia” can be stressful for pet owners. Please let us reassure you that your pet’s safety is our absolute highest priority. We use the most advanced monitoring equipment and protocols, and this step is essential to perform a thorough, pain-free exam. It’s the only way to find and fix hidden problems without causing any stress to your pet.
Our diagnostic capabilities are the foundation of good treatment:
Gentle, Complete Exams
We carefully check every single tooth and the gums around it for any signs of disease.
Digital Dental X-Rays
This is our most important tool. Just like with us, most dental problems (like painful root abscesses, fractured teeth, or bone loss) are hidden below the gumline. X-rays are the only way to see them.
Professional Cleaning
We perform a deep, professional cleaning to remove the harmful plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline, then polish the teeth to create a smooth, healthy surface.
A Full Spectrum of Dental Services
When our exam and X-rays show a problem, our specialists have the advanced skills to fix it. Our goal is always to relieve pain, clear up infection, and—whenever possible—save teeth.
Our advanced dental services include:
- Periodontics (Treating gum disease)
- Endodontics (Performing root canals to save important teeth)
- Orthodontics (Correcting a painful or improper bite)
- Restorative Dentistry (Fixing damaged teeth)
- General Oral Surgery (Including complex or difficult extractions)
- Jaw Fracture Repair
- Oral Neoplasia Therapy (Diagnosis and treatment of oral tumors)
Meet Our Veterinary Dentistry Team
This level of advanced care is only possible because of our incredible team. Our doctors are board-certified specialists in veterinary dentistry, which means they have dedicated years of extra training just for this. But more importantly, they are compassionate people who understand the bond you share with your pet. We invite you to get to know the dedicated doctors who will be caring for your furry family member.
Corinne Durand
DVM, DAVDC
MVA
Kelly Saverino
DVM, DAVDC
HVSH
If you are concerned about your pet’s dental health, please talk to your primary veterinarian about a referral to one of our specialty dentistry departments at either Metropolitan Veterinary Associates or Hickory Veterinary and Specialty Hospital.