Dental Care for Dogs and Cats in Maple Ridge, BC
Dental disease is one of the most common conditions affecting dogs and cats, and most pets show signs of it by the time they are three years old. At Haney Animal Hospital in Maple Ridge, BC, our dental care services address both routine preventive cleaning and more complex dental conditions. Identifying and managing dental problems early protects your pet from pain, tooth loss, and the systemic health effects that untreated oral disease can cause. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Dental Cleaning
A professional dental cleaning is the most effective way to remove plaque and tartar buildup that cannot be addressed by brushing alone. Our dental cleanings are performed under general anesthesia, which allows us to thoroughly clean all surfaces of every tooth, including below the gumline where most periodontal disease develops. Anesthesia also allows us to assess each tooth carefully, take dental X-rays when indicated, and perform any extractions needed without causing your pet distress. We complete a pre-anesthetic exam and recommend bloodwork before any dental cleaning to confirm your pet is ready for the procedure safely.
Scaling and Polishing
Scaling removes the hardened tartar deposits that accumulate on tooth surfaces and at the gumline over time. These deposits harbor bacteria that cause inflammation, infection, and eventual bone loss around the tooth roots. After scaling, we polish the teeth to smooth the enamel surface, which slows the re-adherence of plaque and bacteria. Scaling and polishing are completed as part of every professional dental cleaning at Haney Animal Hospital.
Dental X-Rays
Dental X-rays allow us to evaluate the health of the tooth roots and jawbone beneath the gumline, where the most significant dental disease often develops without any visible sign on the surface. We use dental X-rays to identify root resorption, bone loss, abscesses, and retained tooth roots before and after extraction. In many cases, a tooth that appears intact from the outside has significant disease below the surface that would not be detected without radiographic evaluation.
Tooth Extractions
When a tooth is beyond saving due to fracture, advanced periodontal disease, root infection, or resorption, extraction is typically the best option for your pet’s comfort and long-term health. We perform simple and surgical extractions depending on the tooth involved, using appropriate anesthesia, nerve blocks for pain management during the procedure, and post-operative pain management to keep your pet comfortable during healing. Extraction sites typically heal well, and most pets eat normally again within a day or two of the procedure.
Dental Prophylactic
A dental prophylactic is a preventive dental procedure that goes beyond a basic cleaning by incorporating a thorough oral health assessment alongside the scaling, polishing, and evaluation steps. It may include probing the gum pockets around each tooth to measure attachment loss and identifying areas of concern that need monitoring. Dental prophylactics are recommended as a scheduled preventive measure for patients who are at higher risk of dental disease due to breed, dental conformation, or history of previous dental problems.
Home Dental Care Guidance
What happens between professional cleanings significantly affects how quickly dental disease progresses. We provide guidance on home dental care, including brushing technique, VOHC-accepted dental chews, and water additives that support oral health between visits. Starting home dental care early, ideally in puppyhood and kittenhood, makes brushing more acceptable to your pet and produces the best results. We can demonstrate technique and recommend products at any appointment.
FAQs
How often does my dog or cat need a professional dental cleaning?
Most dogs and cats benefit from a professional cleaning once a year, though some breeds and individuals accumulate tartar more quickly and may need cleanings every six months. We assess your pet’s dental health at every wellness visit and let you know when a cleaning is recommended. Call (604) 476-2525 to book a dental exam.
Is anesthesia safe for my older dog or cat during a dental cleaning?
Anesthesia safety depends on your pet’s overall health rather than age alone. We perform a pre-anesthetic exam and recommend bloodwork before every dental procedure to assess your pet’s readiness. For senior pets with health conditions, we adjust the anesthetic protocol accordingly. Many older dogs and cats have safe and uneventful dental cleanings once their health status is confirmed.
Can my pet eat before a dental cleaning?
No. We ask that you withhold food from your pet the night before a dental cleaning, following the instructions we provide at booking. Water is generally fine until the morning of the procedure. We will give you specific fasting guidelines when your appointment is confirmed.
How will I know if my pet is in dental pain?
Pets often hide dental pain. Signs to watch for include dropping food while eating, preferring soft food, chewing only on one side, pawing at the mouth, bad breath, reduced interest in chew toys, and changes in behavior around the face or mouth. If you notice any of these, call us at (604) 476-2525 to book a dental assessment.
What is the difference between scaling and dental prophylaxis?
Scaling is the physical removal of tartar from tooth surfaces and is a key step in any dental cleaning. A dental prophylactic is a broader term for a full preventive procedure that includes scaling, polishing, a thorough oral assessment, and periodontal probing. Both are available at Haney Animal Hospital and are recommended based on your pet’s dental health needs.
Book a dental appointment for your dog or cat at Haney Animal Hospital. Call (604) 476-2525 or book online at haneyanimalhospital.com/make-an-appointment/. Open seven days a week in Maple Ridge, BC.