Dentistry
Veterinary dental cleanings and oral care for dogs and cats, including dental X-rays and anesthesia monitoring, to treat dental disease and help prevent pain.
We start with an exam so you understand what your pet needs, what to expect, and a clear estimate.
Dog and Cat Dental Services in Phoenix, AZ
Periodontal disease is the most common dental condition seen in dogs and cats. It begins with plaque and tartar buildup and can progress to infection, pain, loose teeth, and tooth loss if left untreated.
Dental disease does not only affect the mouth. Bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and may impact other organs, including the heart, liver, and kidneys.
During a dental procedure, we clean both above and below the gum line and take dental X-rays to evaluate the health of the tooth roots and surrounding bone. If disease or damage is found, we treat the affected teeth to relieve pain and prevent further complications.
Routine dental care and timely treatment play an important role in your pet’s long-term comfort and overall health.
What to expect during a dental procedure
A dental procedure is carefully planned with your pet’s safety and comfort in mind. While every dental is different, most follow the same general process.
- Your pet is admitted the day of their procedure
- Pre-surgical blood work is reviewed
- Your pet is placed under anesthesia and closely monitored
- Dental X-rays are taken to evaluate the teeth below the gum line
- Teeth are cleaned and treated based on what is found
- You are given an update and discharge instructions when your pet is ready to go home
How much do dentals cost?
Dental care is not one-size-fits-all. The cost of a pet dental cleaning in Phoenix depends on your pet’s age, overall health, and what we find during their exam, including whether dental X-rays or extractions are needed.
That’s why we start with an exam. It allows us to give you a clear treatment plan and an estimate before scheduling a dental procedure.
Every dental plan is based on what your pet needs, not a preset package.
Why can’t you give an estimate over the phone?
Every dental is different. Until we examine your pet and review their medical history, we do not know what level of dental disease is present or whether dental X-rays or extractions may be needed. Giving an estimate without an exam would mean guessing, and guessing isn’t safe when anesthesia, X-rays, or extractions may be involved.
- An exam allows us to:
- Look at your pet’s teeth and gums
- Consider their age and overall health
- Determine whether pre-surgical testing is needed
- Build a treatment plan based on what your pet actually needs
Once the exam is complete, we can provide a clear estimate before scheduling a dental procedure.
A Closer Look at Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is the most common health problem in small animals. If left untreated, it can lead to pain, bleeding gums, loss of appetite, bad breath, loose teeth, or even loss of teeth. Worse than that, an unhealthy mouth can predispose your pet to developing serious diseases involving their internal organs, including their heart or kidneys.
Fortunately, periodontal disease is an easy condition to prevent and control. When you bring your pet into our hospital for an exam, we will conduct a full oral examination. One of our friendly, gentle Veterinarians will check for tartar buildup, signs of swelling or bleeding gums, as well as any discolored, broken, or missing teeth.
When it is determined that your pet needs further dental care, you can schedule a dental appointment where we will carefully clean all your pet’s teeth under anesthesia and pay close attention to removing all plaque or tartar buildup, even under the gum line. This helps stop decay in its tracks and keeps your pet healthy.
We will also take dental x-rays of your pet’s teeth and evaluate the degree of periodontal disease if present. If your pet needs more involved care, we will discuss any dental issues your cat or dog may be facing and work with you to decide on an appropriate treatment plan.
Pet Dentistry FAQs
Regular dental care at home and professional cleanings both play an important role in your pet’s oral health. Brushing your pet’s teeth, using veterinarian-recommended dental products, and monitoring for signs of dental disease can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
Routine health exams allow your veterinarian to check your pet’s mouth and identify dental disease early, before it causes pain or infection. Your care team at 1st Pet Veterinary Centers can help you create a dental care plan that fits your pet’s needs.
Anesthesia allows us to thoroughly examine, clean, and treat your pet’s teeth safely and without pain or stress. It makes it possible to clean below the gum line, take dental X-rays, and identify dental disease that cannot be seen while your pet is awake.
During the procedure, your pet is closely monitored by trained veterinary staff to help ensure their safety and comfort at all times.
The exam fee covers your pet’s dental evaluation and medical assessment. During this visit, we determine whether a dental procedure is needed, what it would involve, and whether any additional testing is recommended.
After the exam, we provide a clear treatment plan and estimate so you can make an informed decision before scheduling a dental procedure.
Teeth are removed when they are severely damaged, infected, or causing pain and cannot be safely saved. In these cases, removing the affected teeth helps relieve discomfort and prevents infection from spreading to surrounding tissues.
Most pets recover well after extractions and often feel more comfortable once diseased teeth are removed.