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Dental Care for Dogs and Cats in Point Grey, Vancouver
Dental care at University Vet in Point Grey, Vancouver protects dogs and cats from the pain and health risks associated with oral disease. Most dogs and cats over the age of three have some degree of dental disease, making routine oral care one of the most important preventive services we offer. Our Point Grey dental team provides professional cleanings, tooth extractions, digital dental X-rays, dental surgery, and oral health assessments seven days a week at our 4416 W 10th Ave clinic. Oral disease left unmanaged can affect the heart, kidneys, and liver over time. Call (604) 224-7743 to schedule your pet's dental assessment today.
Services Under Dental Care
Professional Dental Cleaning for Dogs and Cats in Vancouver
Professional dental cleaning removes plaque and tartar buildup that brushing at home cannot address. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia for the safety and comfort of your pet, allowing our team to clean thoroughly below the gumline where most dental disease begins. Each cleaning includes ultrasonic scaling, polishing, and a full oral examination. We use digital dental radiography to assess roots and surrounding bone as part of every comprehensive cleaning. Most dogs and cats over three years old benefit from an annual professional dental cleaning. A pre-anesthetic bloodwork panel is recommended to ensure your pet is a safe candidate for anesthesia.
Tooth Extractions for Dogs and Cats
Tooth extractions are recommended when teeth are fractured, severely decayed, loose, or causing pain that compromises your pet's ability to eat and function comfortably. Our veterinary team uses digital dental X-rays to evaluate tooth roots and surrounding bone before performing extractions. The procedure is carried out under general anesthesia with local nerve blocks for pain management, and most pets recover comfortably and quickly. Many owners are surprised to find that their pet eats more comfortably and appears more content after extraction of a painful tooth, particularly in cats with chronic oral discomfort.
Digital Dental X-Rays for Dogs and Cats
Digital dental radiography reveals what lies beneath the gumline. The crown of the tooth that you can see in your pet's mouth represents roughly one-third of the total tooth structure. The remaining roots and surrounding bone are only visible on X-ray. These images help our team identify hidden root disease, abscesses, bone loss, and retained tooth fragments that would otherwise go undetected. At University Vet in Point Grey, dental radiography is performed as a standard part of every professional cleaning to ensure no dental concerns are missed.
Dental Surgery for Dogs and Cats
Dental surgery addresses advanced oral conditions that go beyond routine cleaning, including fractured teeth with exposed pulp, severe periodontal disease, and jaw abnormalities. These procedures are performed under general anesthesia with continuous monitoring and full digital dental radiographic review. Our team determines the appropriate surgical approach based on imaging findings and clinical assessment. Post-operative pain management is provided for all dental surgical patients, and detailed recovery guidance is given before discharge to support healing at home.
Oral Infection Care for Dogs and Cats
Oral infections can affect the gums, tooth roots, and surrounding tissues, causing pain, swelling, drooling, and reluctance to eat. Left unmanaged, oral infections can spread to other organ systems over time, contributing to systemic health concerns. Our team identifies the source of infection through clinical examination and dental radiography and develops a care plan appropriate to the severity of the concern. If your dog or cat has been drooling more than usual, dropping food, or showing reluctance to chew on one side, a dental assessment is a good first step.
Oral Health Assessment for Dogs and Cats
An oral health assessment evaluates your pet's teeth, gums, tongue, palate, and jaw for signs of disease or abnormality. This assessment is performed as part of every wellness exam at University Vet and again under anesthesia during professional cleanings. Early identification of oral concerns allows for less invasive management. Our team also provides guidance on at-home dental care routines, including brushing techniques and appropriate dental chews, to extend the benefits of professional cleanings between annual visits. Good oral health supports your pet's overall wellbeing and quality of life.
Explore More Services
Explore More Services
Pet care services including wellness exams
Surgical services for advanced dental procedures
In-house diagnostics including dental radiography
FAQs
How often should my dog or cat have a professional dental cleaning?
Most dogs and cats benefit from an annual professional dental cleaning. Small-breed dogs and cats are often prone to faster tartar accumulation and may benefit from more frequent cleanings. Our veterinary team assesses the current state of your pet’s oral health at every wellness exam and will recommend a cleaning schedule based on what we find. Call (604) 224-7743 to book a dental assessment at our Point Grey clinic.
How do I know if my cat has dental disease?
Cats are very good at hiding discomfort. Common signs of dental disease include bad breath, drooling, dropping food, preference for soft food, pawing at the mouth, and reduced grooming. In some cats, the only detectable sign is a change in eating behavior. A professional dental assessment under anesthesia is the most reliable way to evaluate the full state of your cat’s oral health. Call (604) 224-7743 to book a dental exam at University Vet in Point Grey.
Is a dental cleaning safe for older dogs at University Vet?
Dental cleanings can be performed safely on older dogs with appropriate pre-anesthetic preparation. Our team recommends a pre-anesthetic bloodwork panel for all pets, and particularly for seniors, to confirm organ function before proceeding. Advanced monitoring during the procedure and careful anesthetic planning help minimize risks. Leaving painful or infected teeth in place carries its own health risks. Our Point Grey team will discuss the full picture with you before any dental procedure.
What happens during a dental cleaning under anesthesia?
Your pet is placed under general anesthesia with continuous monitoring throughout the procedure. Our team performs digital dental radiography to assess every tooth root and surrounding bone, followed by ultrasonic scaling to remove plaque and tartar, polishing to smooth enamel surfaces, and a thorough oral examination. Any teeth requiring extraction are addressed during the same procedure. Post-anesthetic monitoring continues until your pet is fully awake and stable before discharge.
How can I look after my pet's teeth between professional cleanings?
Daily toothbrushing with a veterinary-formulated toothpaste is the most effective home care option. Dental chews approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council can also help reduce tartar accumulation between cleanings. Water additives and dental wipes are available for pets that do not tolerate brushing. Our team will demonstrate safe brushing techniques and recommend suitable home care products based on your pet’s size and temperament. Ask about home dental care at your next visit.
Schedule a dental assessment or professional cleaning for your dog or cat at University Vet in Point Grey. Open seven days a week. Call (604) 224-7743 or book online at universityvet.ca.