Dental Care

Veterinary Dentistry at Del Mar Veterinary Hospital in San Diego, CA

We adhere strictly to the standards set by the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC): only licensed veterinarians perform dental extractions and oral surgery at our hospital. Dentistry is an essential part of your pet’s overall health care, and we take it seriously.

In fact, no other procedure performed on small animals does more to improve quality of life than routine dental cleanings and proper oral aftercare. Studies show that up to 80% of dogs and cats over the age of three have some level of periodontal disease. Maintaining your pet’s oral hygiene is critical to their long-term wellness.

What to Expect from a Dental Procedure

If your pet needs a dental cleaning or treatment, we provide comprehensive care that includes:

• Oral evaluations while your pet is awake and again under general anesthesia.
• Pre-surgical bloodwork to assess blood cell counts and liver/kidney function.
• Pre-surgical chest X-rays to evaluate heart and lung health.
• Pre-surgical ECG to monitor heart rhythm and detect abnormalities.
• Safe, fully monitored general anesthesia, with trained anesthesia staff present throughout the procedure.
• Comprehensive dental cleaning: scaling (above and below the gum line) and polishing for both dogs and cats.
• Deep periodontal cleanings (root planing) when needed.
• Dental extractions performed only by a veterinarian if diseased or problematic teeth are found.
• Graded dental charting (grades I–IV) to record and track dental health.
• Dental X-rays to detect hidden problems beneath the gum line.
• Dental bonding, if indicated.
• Dental sealant application (VOHC-approved) to help prevent plaque buildup.
• Client education and home care instructions for maintaining dental health between visits.
• Referral to a veterinary dental specialist, if advanced care is needed.

Dental Care at Home

Home dental care is the single most important thing you can do to support your pet’s oral health. Plaque begins forming within hours of a professional cleaning and can mineralize into tartar within days. Daily brushing can dramatically reduce the need for professional cleanings and improve your pet’s comfort and longevity.

Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth

Brushing daily is key to preventing periodontal disease.

• Use a pet-specific toothbrush and never share between pets.
• Never use human toothpaste—it is not safe for pets to swallow. Use only toothpaste made for animals.
• Introduce brushing gradually. Make it a positive experience and reward your pet after each session.
• Be patient: some pets take a few days to adapt, others a few weeks. The benefits are well worth the effort!

Dental Diets

Dental diets, like Hill’s® Prescription Diet t/d®, are designed with larger, firmer kibble to help reduce plaque buildup above the gum line. While helpful, these diets work best in pets that chew their food thoroughly—and nothing replaces the effectiveness of daily brushing, especially for cleaning below the gum line.

If you have questions about your pet’s dental care or would like to schedule a dental exam, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help your pet live a longer, healthier life—one clean tooth at a time.