Dental disease is one of the most common and most overlooked health concerns in dogs and cats, with most pets showing signs of periodontal disease by age three. Left unaddressed, dental disease affects not just the mouth but can have systemic implications for the heart, kidneys, and liver. Campbell Heights Animal Hospital provides comprehensive dental care for pets in Surrey, with a focus on early detection, patient comfort, and long-term oral health.
Professional dental cleaning involves the careful removal of plaque and tartar buildup from all tooth surfaces, including below the gumline where bacteria accumulate and cause the most damage. Our dental cleanings are performed under general anesthesia to ensure complete access to every surface and to keep your pet still and comfortable throughout the procedure. We assess the entire oral cavity during each cleaning appointment.
Scaling is the targeted removal of hardened tartar deposits that cannot be addressed through home brushing or dental chews. Ultrasonic scaling tools allow us to clean tooth surfaces efficiently without causing unnecessary damage to enamel. Scaling below the gumline, known as subgingival scaling, is particularly important for preventing progression of periodontal disease in pets.
Following scaling, dental polishing smooths the surface of each tooth to reduce the rate at which new plaque accumulates. A smoother enamel surface is less hospitable to bacterial attachment, giving the benefits of a professional dental cleaning a longer-lasting effect. Polishing is a standard part of every professional dental cleaning appointment at our Surrey clinic.
Dental radiographs reveal what cannot be seen with the naked eye, including root fractures, bone loss around tooth roots, retained root fragments, and developing problems beneath the gumline. We use dental X-rays routinely during cleaning appointments to ensure we are not missing significant pathology, and to make confident decisions about whether extraction or other intervention is needed.
When a tooth is fractured, severely decayed, or causing pain due to periodontal disease or root involvement, extraction is often the most appropriate path to restoring your pet's comfort. We perform single and multiple extractions with careful attention to pain management before, during, and after the procedure. Most pets show significant improvement in comfort and appetite following extraction of problematic teeth.
A thorough oral health assessment is part of every dental appointment and routine wellness exam at our clinic. We evaluate the gingival tissue, tooth surfaces, palate, tongue, and oral mucosa for signs of disease, discomfort, or abnormal findings. Early assessment of oral health changes allows us to intervene before conditions become painful or affect your pet's ability to eat comfortably.
At-home preventive dental care is an important complement to professional dental cleanings. Our team can show you how to brush your pet's teeth effectively and recommend products such as dental chews, water additives, and dental diets that are supported by veterinary evidence. We tailor our preventive guidance to your pet's tolerance, temperament, and current oral health status.
Healthy teeth make for a healthier, more comfortable pet. Book a dental exam or professional cleaning at Campbell Heights Animal Hospital in Surrey. Call (236) 500-9000 or book online at campbellvets.com.
