Pet Dental Care in Vancouver West Side

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, Dunbar-Southlands, Kerrisdale, and Kitsilano. 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.

Dental Cleaning

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.

Dental Extractions

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 X-rays

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 and Polishing

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.

Oral Health Assessment

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

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.

Dental Surgery

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.

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FAQs

Where can I get my dog’s teeth cleaned near Point Grey, Vancouver?

Alma Animal Hospital in Dunbar offers professional dental cleanings, X-rays, scaling, and extractions for dogs and cats. We are a short drive from Point Grey and Dunbar-Southlands. Call (604) 229-5564 or book online to schedule your pet’s dental appointment.

How do I know if my dog or cat needs a dental cleaning?

Common signs include bad breath, yellow or brown tartar on the teeth, red or swollen gums, reluctance to chew, drooling, or pawing at the mouth. However, many pets with dental disease show no obvious signs. Annual oral exams at Alma Animal Hospital help us detect dental disease before it becomes painful.

Why does my pet need anesthesia for a dental cleaning?

Anesthesia allows us to safely scale below the gumline, take full-mouth dental radiographs, and perform a complete oral assessment without causing stress or pain. Awake dental cleaning cannot address subgingival tartar and provides a false sense of dental health. Anesthesia is safe and closely monitored throughout every dental procedure at Alma Animal Hospital.

How often should my pet have a professional dental cleaning?

Most adult pets benefit from a professional dental cleaning once a year. Some pets with faster tartar accumulation may need cleaning every six months. Dogs and cats who receive daily at-home toothbrushing tend to need less frequent professional cleaning. We assess your pet’s individual needs at every visit.

Can I brush my cat’s teeth at home?

Yes, and we strongly recommend starting early. Use a soft-bristled pet toothbrush and veterinary toothpaste. Begin by touching the teeth and gums gently, then gradually introduce the brush. Daily brushing is ideal, but even three to four times per week provides significant benefit. We are happy to demonstrate the technique at your next appointment.

What is tooth resorption in cats?

Tooth resorption is a painful condition where the tooth structure breaks down from the inside out. It affects a large proportion of adult cats and is detected through dental radiographs. Affected teeth must be extracted to relieve discomfort. Annual dental exams and radiographs at Alma Animal Hospital allow us to catch resorptive lesions early.

Where can I get my dog’s teeth cleaned near Dunbar-Southlands or Point Grey?

Alma Animal Hospital at 3151 Dunbar St offers professional dental cleanings, dental X-rays, and extractions for dogs and cats. We serve the Dunbar, Point Grey, and Dunbar-Southlands area and welcome new clients. Call (604) 229-5564 to book a dental assessment.

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 alma.usw2.ezyvet.com/external/portal/calendar.