Dental Services for Dogs and Cats in New Westminster
Dental disease is one of the most common health concerns in adult dogs and cats, and one of the most frequently overlooked by pet owners. By the time a pet shows noticeable signs of mouth discomfort, the underlying condition may already be significantly advanced. Gum disease, tooth root infection, and bone loss are largely invisible from the outside, which is why professional dental care from a veterinary team is so important. Columbia Square Animal Hospital provides dental services for dogs and cats in New Westminster, with a team open seven days a week to help keep your pet’s oral health on track.
Professional Dental Cleanings for Dogs and Cats in New Westminster
A professional dental cleaning performed by a veterinary team goes far beyond what any home care routine can achieve on its own. At Columbia Square Animal Hospital, dental cleanings for dogs and cats are performed under general anaesthesia, which allows our team to clean every tooth surface thoroughly, including the subgingival area below the gum line where most dental disease originates. Anaesthesia also allows your pet to remain still and comfortable throughout the procedure, which is important both for their safety and for the completeness of the cleaning. Awake dental cleanings in animals are not recommended by veterinary dental specialists because they do not allow proper subgingival access and may cause unnecessary stress. Before your pet’s cleaning, your veterinarian may recommend pre-anaesthetic bloodwork to ensure your pet is a good candidate for general anaesthesia. This is particularly important for senior pets and those with known health conditions.
Dental Scaling, Polishing, and Prophylactic Evaluation
Routine dental care for dogs and cats typically involves three key steps: scaling, polishing, and a thorough prophylactic evaluation. Scaling removes calculus (tartar) from the tooth surface and below the gum line, where bacteria accumulate and cause gum disease. Left in place, subgingival calculus leads to progressive periodontal bone loss, which is painful and eventually results in tooth loss. Polishing smooths the tooth surface after scaling, which makes it more difficult for plaque to reattach quickly in the days following the procedure. The prophylactic evaluation involves a systematic examination of each tooth and the surrounding periodontal tissue, allowing your veterinarian to identify any teeth requiring extraction or further attention. At Columbia Square Animal Hospital, we document dental findings during every procedure so that changes can be tracked over subsequent visits.
Pet Dental X-Rays in New Westminster
Dental X-rays are an essential part of a complete dental evaluation for dogs and cats. The majority of each tooth, including the root and the surrounding bone, lies below the gum line and cannot be seen during a visual examination. Without dental X-rays, significant disease can be missed entirely. At Columbia Square Animal Hospital, dental X-rays allow our team to identify root resorption, tooth root abscesses, bone loss around the roots, retained root fragments, and tooth fractures that do not extend visibly above the gum line. Dental X-rays are taken routinely during dental procedures and are particularly important when an extraction is being considered, as they confirm root anatomy and guide the approach. This technology makes dental care more complete and safer for every patient.
When Does My Pet Need a Dental Cleaning?
One of the most common questions we hear from New Westminster pet owners is how often their dog or cat actually needs professional dental care. Veterinarians generally recommend at least one professional dental examination per year for adult dogs and cats, though the appropriate frequency varies depending on the individual pet. Smaller breeds tend to accumulate dental disease more quickly due to crowding and the proportionally larger size of their teeth relative to their jaw, and may benefit from more frequent professional cleanings. Cats are also prone to a condition called tooth resorption that can cause significant pain and often goes undetected without dental X-rays. Common signs that your pet may be due for a dental assessment include persistent bad breath, difficulty eating or dropping food, pawing at the mouth, reluctance to chew hard food or toys, and visible yellow or brown tartar on the teeth. If your dog or cat has not had a professional dental exam recently, our New Westminster team is ready to help.
Dental services for a healthier, longer life.
Good oral health does more than freshen breath — it helps your pet live a longer, more comfortable life. Dental disease is one of the most common conditions we see, and much of it hides beneath the gumline where it can’t be seen during a regular exam.
Our dental procedures are performed under general anaesthesia with full monitoring, so your pet stays safe and comfortable while we give their mouth the thorough care it needs.
Comprehensive Oral Exam
A full assessment of your pet’s mouth, teeth, gums, and oral cavity — checking for plaque, tartar, gingivitis, fractured teeth, and other concerns.
Full-Mouth Dental X-Rays
Digital dental radiographs of every tooth, above and below the gumline. Much of dental disease hides beneath the gums — X-rays reveal what an exam alone cannot. Available on request, and we’ll always discuss cost with you first.
Scale & Polish
Ultrasonic scaling removes plaque and tartar from the teeth and beneath the gumline, followed by polishing to smooth the enamel and slow future buildup.
Extractions & Repair
When a tooth can’t be saved, we perform careful, pain-managed extractions and repair of fractured teeth to relieve discomfort and protect oral health.
FAQs
Does my dog or cat need anaesthesia for a dental cleaning?
How often should my dog or cat have a professional dental cleaning?
What are the signs of dental disease in dogs and cats?
Are pet dental X-rays really necessary?
Can I brush my pet’s teeth at home to prevent dental disease?
Do not wait until your pet is showing signs of mouth pain. Columbia Square Animal Hospital offers professional dental cleanings, scaling, polishing, and dental X-rays for dogs and cats in New Westminster, seven days a week. Call (604) 521-5572 to book your pet’s dental assessment today.