A Healthier Mouth Means a More Comfortable Pet
Dental disease is painful, and it can affect more than your pet’s teeth. At Dorr Veterinary Clinic in Dorr, MI , a licensed technician and veterinarian work together on every dental case. Your pet gets full mouth x-rays, a thorough cleaning above and below the gumline, and any extractions or oral treatments needed, all with a full estimate before the appointment.
Request an AppointmentOur Approach to Pet Dental Care
Much of what causes dental problems in dogs and cats happens where you can’t see it. Plaque and tartar build up under the gums, and infection can develop in the roots of the teeth and the surrounding bone. Brushing at home helps, but it can’t reach these areas. A professional dental visit lets us find and treat problems your pet may be hiding.
We perform four stages of dental cleaning services, so each pet receives care that fits what the mouth needs.
What Your Pet’s Dental Visit Includes
- Full mouth x-rays to check the roots, the jawbone and any teeth that look healthy on the surface but aren’t
- A thorough cleaning of the teeth, including the area beneath the gums that can’t be reached at home
- Extractions of teeth that are damaged, infected or beyond saving
- Oral treatments for other problems we find during the exam
- A team approach, with a licensed technician and a veterinarian involved in every aspect of the procedure
A Full Estimate Before the Appointment
We believe you should know what to expect before your pet’s visit. Every dental case is given a full estimate of services ahead of time. If you’d like to spread out the cost of care, ask about our payment options.
Signs Your Pet May Need a Dental Visit
- Persistent bad breath
- Yellow or brown tartar on the teeth
- Red, swollen or bleeding gums
- Drooling, pawing at the mouth or dropping food
- Chewing on one side or losing interest in hard food or treats
- Loose, broken or missing teeth
Pets often hide pain well, so even mild changes are worth mentioning. Your pet’s mouth is checked during every wellness exam, and dental health is also part of our preventative medicine approach. Regular checkups help us catch problems early, before they become painful or costly.
Pet Dentistry FAQs
How do I know if my pet needs a dental cleaning?
Bad breath, tartar on the teeth, red or bleeding gums, drooling and difficulty chewing are common signs. Many pets with painful dental disease show few outward signs, so your veterinarian’s exam is the best way to tell whether a cleaning is due.
Why does my pet need dental x-rays?
Much of the tooth lies below the gumline, where it can’t be seen. Full mouth x-rays let us check the roots and surrounding bone, find hidden infection or damage, and decide which teeth can be saved and which need to be removed.
What is included in a dental cleaning at Dorr Veterinary Clinic?
Your pet’s visit includes full mouth x-rays and a thorough cleaning of the teeth, including beneath the gums. Any needed tooth extractions or oral treatments are also performed. A licensed technician and veterinarian work together on all aspects of the procedure.
Will I know the cost before my pet’s dental appointment?
Yes. Each case is given a full estimate of services before the appointment, so you know what to expect. If your pet needs additional treatment, such as extractions, we discuss it with you.
Why can’t I just brush my pet’s teeth at home?
Home brushing is valuable and helps slow plaque buildup, but it can’t remove hardened tartar or clean under the gums, where dental disease often begins. A professional cleaning treats these areas, and home care helps keep the results longer.
Will my pet need teeth pulled?
Not always. Extractions are only recommended when a tooth is badly damaged, infected or loose. X-rays help us tell which teeth can be saved and which are causing pain, and we explain our findings and recommendations to you.
How often should my pet have a dental exam?
We check your pet’s mouth at every wellness exam and recommend a cleaning when it’s needed. How often that is depends on your pet’s age, breed, size and history of dental disease, so your veterinarian will advise you based on what they find.
Give Your Pet a Healthier, Pain-Free Smile
Call Dorr Veterinary Clinic at (269) 793-7387 or request an appointment online to schedule a dental exam for your pet in Dorr, MI .