Veterinary care
Pet Dental Care for Dogs and Cats in Port Coquitlam
Pet dental care for dogs and cats is one of the most overlooked aspects of preventive health, yet oral disease affects the majority of pets over the age of three. At Tricity Animal Hospital in Port Coquitlam, we provide a full range of dental services from routine professional cleaning to extractions and dental surgery. Maintaining your pet’s oral health does more than freshen their breath. It reduces the risk of painful infections, tooth loss, and systemic complications that can affect the heart, kidneys, and liver over time.
Dental Cleaning
Professional dental cleaning under anesthesia is the most effective way to remove plaque and tartar from both the visible tooth surface and beneath the gumline, where most serious dental disease develops. During a cleaning, our team performs a thorough oral examination, scales and polishes all tooth surfaces, and assesses the health of each tooth and surrounding gum tissue. We recommend dental cleanings annually for most dogs and cats, though some pets may benefit from more frequent care depending on their oral health status.
Tooth Extractions
When a tooth is fractured, abscessed, or compromised by severe periodontal disease, extraction is often the most appropriate option to relieve pain and prevent further infection. Our team performs tooth extractions with careful technique and appropriate pain management before, during, and after the procedure. Most pets recover quickly after extractions and often show a noticeable improvement in comfort and appetite within days. Complete post-operative care instructions are provided, including guidance on any dietary adjustments needed during healing.
Dental Surgery
Dental surgery at Tricity Animal Hospital addresses more complex oral conditions including oral tumor removal, advanced periodontal cases, and procedures requiring specialized access to root structures. Dental surgery is closely coordinated with our Surgical Services, and pre-surgical assessments including bloodwork and dental radiographs are standard components of the planning process. If your pet has been evaluated for an oral mass or a condition requiring more than a routine cleaning and extraction, we will develop a clear surgical plan together.
Oral Health Assessment
A dedicated oral health assessment allows our team to evaluate your pet's teeth and gums in detail, identify early-stage disease, and create a proactive care plan before more invasive intervention becomes necessary. Assessments include evaluation of tooth surface deposits, gum health, tooth mobility, and signs of early resorption or infection. We include a basic dental review as part of every wellness exam, and can provide a focused oral health assessment whenever specific dental concerns are raised.
Dental X-Rays
Dental radiographs are essential for evaluating the full picture of your pet's oral health. A significant portion of dental disease occurs below the gumline and is completely invisible to the naked eye. Dental X-rays allow us to assess root integrity, bone loss, tooth resorption, and the presence of infection beneath the gum surface. We recommend dental radiographs as part of every comprehensive dental procedure to ensure no hidden disease is overlooked during assessment and cleaning.
Scaling and Polishing
Scaling removes hardened calculus deposits from above and below the gumline, and polishing smooths the tooth surface to slow the reattachment of bacterial plaque. These two procedures are performed as part of every dental cleaning at Tricity Animal Hospital. A smooth, clean tooth surface is significantly more resistant to plaque accumulation than one left rough after scaling alone, making polishing an important step in maintaining oral health between dental visits.
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Most dogs benefit from an annual professional dental cleaning. Smaller breeds and dogs prone to dental disease may require more frequent cleanings. At-home brushing can help extend the time between professional cleanings, but it cannot replace the effect of a thorough cleaning under anesthesia.
Yes, when performed with appropriate pre-anesthetic screening and monitoring. We recommend bloodwork before dental procedures to ensure your pet is a safe candidate for anesthesia. Anesthesia-free dental scaling is not recommended, as it cannot safely address below-the-gumline disease and creates unnecessary stress for the pet.
Bad breath, visible tartar buildup, red or swollen gums, difficulty eating, dropping food, drooling, or pawing at the mouth are all signs that a dental evaluation is needed. Many pets with significant dental disease show minimal obvious signs, which is why regular assessments are important.
Yes. Dental disease is extremely common in cats, and cats are particularly prone to a condition called tooth resorption, where the tooth structure breaks down from the inside. Regular dental assessments and X-rays are essential for identifying this condition, as it is often not visible without radiographic evaluation.
Unmanaged dental disease progresses to tooth loss, painful infections, and in severe cases, bacteria entering the bloodstream and affecting internal organs including the heart, kidneys, and liver. Early intervention is always preferable to waiting until disease is advanced.
Book a dental appointment for your dog or cat at Tricity Animal Hospital in Port Coquitlam. Call (604) 942-2225 or schedule online. Regular dental care is one of the best investments you can make in your pet’s long-term health and comfort.