Pet Dental Care in Burnaby, BC

Dental disease is one of the most common conditions affecting adult dogs and cats, with most pets showing signs of periodontal disease by age three. Left unaddressed, dental disease causes pain, tooth loss, and can affect the kidneys, liver, and heart. At Deer Lake Animal Hospital near Metrotown in Burnaby, we offer comprehensive dental care under general anesthesia, including professional cleaning, scaling, digital radiography, and extractions. We include an oral health assessment at every physical examination. Call (604) 563-6170 or book online to schedule your pet’s dental visit.

Dental Cleaning and Prophylaxis for Dogs and Cats

Professional dental cleaning, also called prophylaxis, is performed under general anesthesia for safe, thorough access to all tooth surfaces and the area beneath the gum line. We clean above and below the gumline where bacterial plaque builds up and causes the most serious damage. This includes complete removal of plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces, followed by polishing to smooth enamel and slow the return of buildup.

Tooth Extractions

Tooth extraction becomes necessary when a tooth is fractured beyond repair, severely affected by periodontal disease, or causing pain or infection that cannot be managed otherwise. We perform both simple and surgical extractions, sectioning multi-rooted teeth as needed and closing extraction sites with sutures for proper healing. Appropriate nerve blocks and pain management are used before and after extractions so your pet is as comfortable as possible throughout their recovery.

Dental X-Rays and Radiography

More than 60 percent of dental disease in dogs and cats occurs below the gum line, where it is invisible to the naked eye. Digital dental radiography allows us to assess the full length of each tooth root, the surrounding bone, and the extent of periodontal involvement. We take full-mouth radiographs at all dental cleanings performed under anesthesia.

Scaling

Dental scaling removes calculus (hardened tartar) from above and below the gum line using ultrasonic and hand scaling instruments. The ultrasonic scaler breaks up calculus deposits through high-frequency vibration without damaging enamel, while hand instruments allow precise cleaning around individual roots and in areas requiring careful attention. Thorough subgingival scaling is essential because the bacteria living below the gum line are responsible for the most destructive forms of periodontal disease.

Polishing

After scaling, tooth surfaces are left microscopically rough, which allows plaque to reattach and harden more quickly. Polishing with a veterinary-grade polish smooths the enamel, slowing the return of buildup between professional cleanings. We polish all accessible tooth surfaces during every dental procedure. Smooth, polished teeth stay cleaner longer and respond better to home dental care.

Oral Health Assessment

At every physical examination, we visually assess your pet’s teeth, gums, and oral cavity. We check for gingivitis, tartar accumulation, fractured or discolored teeth, unusual masses or lesions, and any signs of oral pain. We discuss our findings with you and give you a clear picture of your pet’s current oral health status.

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FAQs

How often does my dog or cat need a professional dental cleaning in Burnaby?

The frequency depends on your pet’s individual rate of plaque and tartar buildup, their breed, and the quality of their home dental care routine. Many pets benefit from annual professional cleanings. Some breeds, particularly small dogs, accumulate tartar rapidly and may need more frequent cleanings. Others with excellent home care routines can go longer between appointments. We assess your pet’s oral health at every visit and give you a realistic recommendation.

Is dental anesthesia safe for my older pet?

Anesthesia is safe for senior pets when appropriate pre-anesthetic screening is completed. We recommend blood work before anesthesia in older patients to assess kidney and liver function and confirm the pet is a good candidate for the procedure. Our team uses modern, carefully monitored anesthetic protocols and adjusts them based on your pet’s age, size, and health status. The risks of leaving significant dental disease untreated typically outweigh the anesthetic risk in otherwise healthy senior pets.

My pet has bad breath. Does that mean they need a dental cleaning?

Persistent bad breath in dogs and cats is almost always a sign of oral disease, particularly bacterial buildup below the gum line. While a small amount of normal mouth odor is expected, strong or worsening breath usually indicates tartar accumulation, gingivitis, or an infected tooth. A dental examination is the right starting point. We will assess your pet’s mouth, review the extent of the issue, and let you know whether a professional cleaning is recommended.

What can I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth clean between professional cleanings?

Daily tooth brushing with a pet-specific toothpaste is the most effective form of home dental care. We recommend starting young and building it into a daily routine. Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)-accepted chews, dental diets, and water additives can also help reduce plaque accumulation between professional cleanings. We are happy to walk you through an effective home care routine and product options at your next visit.

Can my dog or cat eat normally after a tooth extraction?

Most pets can eat soft food the evening after an extraction and return to their normal diet within a few days as the extraction site heals. We send you home with specific feeding instructions and pain management guidance. Avoid hard chews, toys, or bones during the healing period. Most pets recover quickly and show noticeable improvement in comfort and appetite within one to two days of having a painful tooth removed.

Healthy teeth make a real difference to your pet’s comfort and overall health. Book a dental examination at Deer Lake Animal Hospital in Burnaby. Call (604) 563-6170 or schedule online. We are open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m..