Dental health is one of the most commonly overlooked aspects of a pet's overall wellbeing. By the age of three, the majority of dogs and cats show some signs of dental disease, which can affect not only the mouth but also the heart, kidneys, and liver if left unaddressed. Avon Animal Hospital provides professional dental care for dogs and cats in Surrey, Langley, and the surrounding communities, including cleanings, X-rays, scaling, and extractions. Our team makes dental health a core part of every wellness conversation.
A professional dental cleaning at Avon Animal Hospital involves a thorough cleaning of every tooth surface, including below the gum line where tartar buildup causes the most damage. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia to ensure your pet remains comfortable and still, allowing our team to clean areas that cannot be reached during a conscious exam. We assess each tooth individually during the cleaning and document any areas of concern. Professional cleanings remove accumulated tartar and plaque that home brushing cannot address, and help reset the baseline for your pet's ongoing oral health.
The majority of each tooth lies below the gum line, where disease and damage are invisible to the naked eye. Dental X-rays allow our veterinarians to assess the roots, surrounding bone, and structures beneath the gumline that are otherwise impossible to evaluate. At Avon Animal Hospital, dental X-rays are an integral part of our dental procedures, helping us identify hidden fractures, abscesses, root resorption, and bone loss before they progress. This allows for more complete care during each procedure and reduces the likelihood of a missed concern causing problems later.
Scaling removes mineralized tartar that has adhered to the tooth surface and cannot be removed by brushing alone. At Avon Animal Hospital, we use both hand scaling and ultrasonic scaling tools to thoroughly clean each tooth. After scaling, polishing smooths the tooth surface, which helps slow the reattachment of plaque and extends the benefits of the cleaning. Scaling and polishing are standard components of every professional dental procedure at our clinic, and the combination of both helps support the best possible outcome for your pet's oral health.
When a tooth is too damaged, fractured, or severely infected to be preserved, extraction is often the most appropriate step to eliminate pain and prevent further complications. At Avon Animal Hospital, extractions are performed under full anesthesia with careful attention to pain management before, during, and after the procedure. We assess each tooth requiring extraction individually and communicate with you prior to proceeding. Most pets recover well and comfortably after extractions, and many show visible improvement in energy and appetite once a painful tooth has been removed.
Professional cleanings work best when combined with consistent home dental care between visits. At Avon Animal Hospital, we guide pet owners through practical home care options, including tooth brushing technique, the use of dental wipes, and dental-friendly chews and diets. Brushing with a pet-safe toothpaste is the most effective home care method, and starting slowly with young animals helps them become comfortable with the routine. Our team will tailor home dental care recommendations to fit your pet's temperament and your household routine, helping to extend the benefits of each professional cleaning.
Dental disease does not stay contained to the mouth. Bacteria from infected gum tissue can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart, kidneys, and liver over time. This is why we treat dental health as an essential part of your pet's overall care, not a separate or optional concern. During annual wellness exams, our veterinarians assess your pet's teeth and gums and recommend a professional cleaning schedule based on what they observe. Early and consistent dental care reduces the likelihood of serious systemic complications and supports a longer, more comfortable life for your pet.
Give your pet’s teeth the care they deserve. Avon Animal Hospital provides professional dental cleanings, X-rays, and extractions for dogs and cats in Surrey, BC. Call (604) 532-7600 or book at avonanimalhospital.ca/make-an-appointment/.
