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Dental disease is the most common health condition in adult dogs and cats, and most pets show signs of it by age three. At Alma Animal Hospital in Dunbar, Vancouver, our dental care services address the full spectrum of oral health, from preventive cleanings and dental radiographs to extractions and oral health assessments. We are conveniently located for pet owners in Dunbar, Point Grey, and Dunbar-Southlands. Healthy teeth and gums are directly connected to your pet’s overall health, comfort, and quality of life, and our team provides thorough, compassionate care at every step.
Professional dental cleaning, performed under general anesthesia, is the only way to fully remove tartar buildup above and below the gumline. At Alma Animal Hospital, every dental cleaning begins with a complete oral examination under anesthesia, followed by scaling to remove tartar deposits, polishing to smooth the tooth surface, and a full assessment of gum health and tooth stability. Dental radiographs are taken to evaluate the tooth roots and supporting bone, which are not visible on external examination alone. We discuss findings with you and review any additional procedures recommended before proceeding.
Tooth extraction is recommended when a tooth is non-viable due to severe periodontal disease, fracture, root resorption, or infection. At Alma Animal Hospital, extractions are performed under general anesthesia with local nerve blocks to minimize discomfort. Post-operative pain management is provided at discharge, and we schedule a recheck to confirm healing. Most pets recover quickly from dental extractions and show immediate improvement in comfort and appetite. We explain every extraction recommendation clearly and do not proceed without your understanding and agreement.
Dental radiographs are an essential part of complete dental assessment. Approximately 60 percent of each tooth is hidden below the gumline, and radiographs allow us to evaluate root health, bone loss, and early resorptive lesions that are invisible during a visual exam. At Alma Animal Hospital, we take full-mouth radiographs during every dental cleaning and use findings to guide our recommendations. Digital dental radiography produces high-quality images quickly, reducing anesthesia time and allowing us to review results with you before discharge.
Scaling removes hardened tartar deposits from tooth surfaces both above and below the gumline. Polishing follows scaling to smooth the enamel surface and reduce the rate at which new plaque accumulates. Together, these steps form the core of a professional dental cleaning. At-home dental care, including regular toothbrushing with veterinary toothpaste, helps maintain the results of professional cleaning. We demonstrate brushing technique at your pet’s dental appointments and recommend frequency based on your pet’s individual plaque accumulation rate.
A dedicated oral health assessment evaluates the entire mouth for signs of periodontal disease, tooth resorption, oral masses, ulceration, and developmental abnormalities. We assess every tooth individually, checking for mobility, pocket depth, gum recession, and furcation involvement. Findings are recorded and used to track progression over time. Oral health assessments are integrated into every professional dental cleaning and are also available as standalone consultations for pets showing signs of oral discomfort, including reluctance to eat, pawing at the mouth, or bad breath.
Dental prophylaxis refers to the full preventive dental protocol: oral examination, full-mouth dental radiographs, scaling, polishing, and oral health assessment performed as a single comprehensive procedure. Regular dental prophylaxis, typically on an annual or biannual basis depending on your pet’s individual needs, is the most effective way to prevent periodontal disease progression and maintain oral health over time. Combining professional prophylaxis with a consistent at-home care routine gives your pet the best possible long-term dental outcome.
When dental disease extends beyond preventive cleaning, surgical intervention may be required. Dental surgery at Alma Animal Hospital includes complex multi-root extractions, oral mass excision, and management of advanced periodontal conditions. All dental surgery is performed under full general anesthesia with comprehensive monitoring and multimodal pain management. Complex cases beyond our scope of practice are referred to a veterinary dental specialist. We discuss all options with you and ensure you understand the recommended procedure, expected outcomes, and recovery process before proceeding.
Healthy teeth make a happier, more comfortable pet. Book a dental assessment at Alma Animal Hospital in Dunbar today. Call (604) 229-5564 or book at almavets.ca/make-an-appointment/.
