Advanced Veterinary Care

Periodontal disease

Periodontal disease is extremely common in pets, with most dogs and cats showing signs by the time they reach three years of age. This condition affects the gums, jawbone, and the tissues that support the teeth. It starts when soft, sticky plaque builds up on the teeth and hardens into tartar, creating a perfect environment for bacteria. As bacteria multiply, the gums become inflamed, leading to gingivitis.

Without treatment, periodontal disease continues to worsen, causing ongoing pain, loose or lost teeth, and making it uncomfortable for pets to eat or play. Bacteria from infected gums can also enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body, potentially affecting vital organs such as the heart.

Dental examinations

Regular dental exams play an important role in catching oral health problems early—before they become painful or more serious. During your pet’s visit, our veterinarians carefully examine the teeth and gums for plaque and tartar buildup, signs of gum disease, loose or broken teeth, and other oral health concerns. A dental evaluation is always included as part of your pet’s routine wellness exam, helping us stay ahead of potential issues and keep their mouth healthy.

Digital Dental X-rays

Many dental problems in dogs and cats develop below the gum line, where they aren’t visible during a routine exam. Dental X-rays give us detailed images of each tooth, including the roots and surrounding bone, allowing us to identify hidden issues such as tooth root abscesses, bone loss, tooth resorption, and unerupted teeth. For the most thorough assessment possible, our veterinary team performs full-mouth dental X-rays every time your pet is placed under anesthesia for a dental cleaning.

Dental cleanings

During a professional dental cleaning, our veterinary technicians carefully remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line, take dental X-rays, and polish your pet’s teeth. One of our veterinarians then performs a thorough oral examination and addresses any problem teeth, including extractions when needed. Our entire team is trained to provide gentle, comprehensive dental care to help keep your pet’s mouth healthy and comfortable.

While dental cleanings can treat existing oral health issues, they are most effective when used as a preventive measure. At Companion Pet Care, we typically recommend annual dental cleanings for most pets over the age of three. However, every pet is different, and we tailor our recommendations based on your pet’s individual needs.

Oral surgery

Some dental conditions require surgical treatment to remove diseased or damaged teeth. Our veterinary team is experienced in performing a variety of dental procedures to address more advanced oral health issues, including dental extractions, treatment of oral tumors, and antibiotic injections when needed. To keep your pet as comfortable as possible, we use oral nerve blocks and injectable pain medications before, during, and after each procedure. Every pet goes home with individualized aftercare instructions and follow-up recommendations to support a smooth recovery.

Anesthesia safety

Anesthesia is a necessary part of safe and effective dental care, allowing your pet to remain comfortable, pain-free, and still throughout their procedure. Although anesthesia-free dentistry may sound appealing, it can be stressful for pets and does not allow for a complete dental cleaning, dental X-rays, or proper treatment of underlying problems.

At Companion Pet Care, your pet’s safety is always our top priority. We take multiple precautions before and during anesthesia, including a thorough physical examination, pre-anesthetic testing, and continuous monitoring throughout the procedure to ensure your pet’s well-being.

At-home dental care

Brushing your pet’s teeth at home is the most effective way to maintain good oral health between professional dental cleanings. Daily brushing with a pet-safe toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush helps remove plaque, reduce harmful bacteria, and keep your pet’s breath fresh. Our team is happy to demonstrate proper tooth brushing techniques, share tips to help your pet get comfortable with the process, and recommend safe, effective dental products for plaque control—especially for pets who won’t tolerate brushing.