Dentistry

High-Quality & Affordable Pet Dentistry Services in Santa Cruz County, CA

Every pet deserves a healthy, vibrant life that includes a beautiful smile. At Valley Oak Veterinary Clinic in Santa Cruz County, CA, our pet dentistry takes center stage as an integral part of our comprehensive veterinary care. Our skilled veterinarians provide compassionate and thorough dental services, ensuring each visit is a positive experience. From routine cleanings to advanced treatments and extractions, we prioritize advocacy and education, empowering owners to maintain their pets’ oral health. Trust our 40 years of experience and commitment to pet care to keep your pet’s health positive.

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Protect Your Pet’s Health With Clean Teeth

Pet dental health is vital for their overall well-being, affecting not just their mouth but their entire body. Like humans, poor oral hygiene can lead to pain, infection, and more serious systemic issues that could impact your pet’s overall quality of life. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are key to preventing problems like plaque buildup and gum disease. By maintaining your pet’s dental health, you safeguard their overall health, helping them lead happy, healthy lives for years to come.

Comprehensive Dental Treatments

In-House X-Rays

Our in-house dental X-rays provide detailed insights into your pet’s oral health. Each digital image allows our veterinarians to accurately diagnose any concerns and create tailored treatments, ensuring hidden issues are addressed promptly for your pet’s best care.

Dental Cleanings

Routine dental cleanings are crucial in maintaining your pet’s health. Cleanings remove harmful plaque and tartar buildup, reducing the risk of infections and refreshing breath. Ensure a healthier future for your pet with regular cleanings.

Tooth Extractions

Extracting teeth is sometimes essential to relieve pain and prevent more severe health issues in pets. With the assistance of X-rays, our veterinarians can perform extractions smoothly and safely, ensuring all aspects of the infected tooth are removed to enhance the quality of life for your companion.

Pet Dental Exams & Cleanings

Just like your routine visits to the dentist, your dog or cat needs a dental checkup at least once a year. For pets more susceptible to dental issues, more frequent visits may be necessary.

At Valley Oaks Veterinary Clinic, we specialize in assessing, diagnosing, and treating dental health concerns in both cats and dogs, ensuring your pet’s oral health stays in top condition.

Before your pet’s dental exam, we’ll perform a comprehensive pre-anesthetic physical evaluation.

This includes blood and urine tests to confirm your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia. Depending on your pet’s needs, additional diagnostics such as chest X-rays or an ECG may also be recommended.

Once your pet is under anesthesia, we’ll conduct a thorough oral examination, carefully inspecting and charting each tooth.

We begin by thoroughly cleaning and polishing your pet’s teeth, including areas beneath the gumline, and taking X-rays for a closer look. Each tooth is then treated with fluoride to strengthen enamel and protect against decay.

To help prevent plaque buildup, we apply a dental sealant as the final step. If advanced periodontal disease is detected, our veterinarian will create a tailored treatment plan and review it with you to ensure the best care for your pet.

Signs Your Pet Needs a Dental Checkup

If your pet shows any of the following signs, it’s time to schedule a dental examination:

Tartar buildup
Pain or swelling in or around the mouth
Decreased appetite or refusal to eat
Loose or broken teeth
Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
Bleeding from the mouth
Persistent bad breath
Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food
Discolored teeth

Don't ignore these symptoms—prompt dental care can improve your pet's health and comfort.

FAQs About Pet Dental Care

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from our patients about pet dental care.

Just like humans, pets can experience tooth decay and periodontal disease due to poor oral hygiene.

When pets eat, plaque forms on their teeth. If not removed through regular brushing, this plaque hardens into tartar, increasing the risk of mouth infections, gum disease, and tooth decay. Over time, this can lead to loose or missing teeth.

Routine dental care is essential to protect your pet from pain and ensure their gums and teeth stay healthy.

Did you know your pet's behavior can indicate oral health problems? Signs to watch for include excessive drooling (possibly with pus or blood), pawing at the mouth, frequent yawning, teeth grinding, or neglecting grooming.

Other common symptoms include bad breath, swollen gums, tooth discoloration, and even pain that might cause your pet to stop eating.

Keeping an eye on these signs can help ensure your pet’s oral health stays on track.

Poor oral health can lead to more than just cavities, bad breath, and severe periodontal disease. It can contribute to serious health issues affecting the liver, kidneys, heart, and other vital organs.

Additionally, untreated oral health problems may result in the development of cysts or tumors, and your pet may experience general discomfort and a decline in overall well-being. (If you’ve ever had a toothache, you know how it can impact your mood!)

These conditions can cause significant pain and even shorten your pet’s lifespan. That’s why regular dental care is crucial for maintaining your pet’s overall health and happiness.

During your pet’s dental appointment, the veterinarian will perform a thorough oral exam to identify any oral health issues or symptoms that may require treatment.

The teeth will be cleaned to remove tartar and debris. If your pet has cavities, gingivitis, or other dental concerns, the veterinarian will discuss these with you and recommend the appropriate treatment.

For serious conditions, surgery may be necessary. In such cases, your pet will be placed under anesthesia to ensure their comfort and prevent pain during the procedure. After surgery, your pet will require special post-operative care.

If you notice any signs of oral health problems in your pet, don’t hesitate to schedule a dental appointment at Valley Oaks Veterinary Clinic in Santa Cruz County.

What Is Our Dental Cleaning Process?

At Valley Oak Veterinary Clinic, our dental cleaning process is thorough and gentle, providing your pet with the best care possible. We begin with a comprehensive oral exam to identify potential issues once your pet is sedated. Next, a scaling procedure removes plaque and tartar from the teeth, followed by a polish to help prevent future buildup. If we do any extractions, we follow up with an x-ray to ensure all parts of the tooth are removed right down to the root.

Prioritize Your Pet’s Health With Our Skilled Team

Experience firsthand the difference dedicated dental care can make in your pet’s life. Schedule an appointment with the seasoned veterinary team at Valley Oak Veterinary Clinic. We will assess your pet’s oral health and discuss whether a dental cleaning would enhance their overall well-being and if they are healthy enough to undergo sedation for a cleaning. We prioritize your pet’s health and happiness to ensure everything is safe. Join countless other Santa Cruz County pet owners who trust us for comprehensive veterinary services. Contact us today to explore how we can help maintain your pet’s beautiful smile and vibrant health.

Providing Quality Pet Care For Over 40 Years

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