Professional Pet Dental Care in Calgary
Dental disease is one of the most common and most preventable health conditions affecting dogs and cats. By the age of three, most pets have some degree of dental disease, and many are experiencing discomfort they do not show openly. At NorthWest Animal Hospital in Carrington, NW Calgary, our dental care services address everything from routine cleanings to extractions and dental X-rays. We are open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 am to 8 pm, and Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm. Call (403) 930-3500 to book a dental exam.
Professional Dental Cleaning
A professional dental cleaning at NorthWest Animal Hospital involves a thorough removal of plaque and tartar above and below the gumline. Because a complete cleaning requires your pet to remain still for an extended period, it is performed under general anesthesia with full monitoring throughout. Dental cleanings prevent the buildup that leads to periodontal disease, bad breath, tooth loss, and bacterial entry into the bloodstream. We assess your pet's overall dental health at the start of every cleaning and communicate any additional findings, such as damaged or loose teeth, before proceeding.
Dental X-Rays
Much of what affects a tooth happens beneath the gumline, in the root and surrounding bone structure. Dental X-rays allow us to assess areas that are completely invisible during a visual examination. We use dental X-rays to evaluate tooth root health, identify bone loss associated with periodontal disease, detect root fractures or abscesses, and assess teeth prior to extraction. Dental X-rays are a standard part of our dental procedure protocol because they allow us to make informed decisions and avoid missing significant problems that a surface examination alone would overlook.
Scaling and Polishing
Scaling removes mineralized tartar from the tooth surface using ultrasonic and hand instruments. Polishing follows to smooth the enamel surface, which slows future plaque accumulation. Together, scaling and polishing form the core of a professional dental cleaning and are performed during every dental procedure at NorthWest Animal Hospital. Polishing also removes minor surface staining and leaves teeth in the best possible condition to resist new buildup between cleaning appointments. The combination of regular professional cleanings and home dental care gives your pet the strongest long-term dental health outcomes.
Tooth Extractions
Sometimes the best way to relieve pain and prevent ongoing infection is to remove a tooth that is no longer viable. Fractured teeth, advanced periodontal disease, retained baby teeth in young dogs and cats, and severely decayed roots are among the reasons our team may recommend extraction. Extractions are performed under general anesthesia, and the socket is carefully closed to promote healing. Most pets recover quickly and eat comfortably within a day or two of the procedure, often showing noticeably improved comfort and energy after a painful tooth is removed.
Oral Health Assessment
A thorough oral health assessment is performed at every dental procedure at NorthWest Animal Hospital. We evaluate every tooth, the gums, the hard and soft palate, the tongue, and the lymph nodes of the neck. This assessment allows us to identify early-stage dental disease, oral masses, gum recession, and abnormal wear patterns before they progress. For pets who have not had a recent dental cleaning, an oral health assessment during a routine wellness exam is often the first step in establishing a dental care plan. We record findings and review them with you so you understand your pet's current dental status.
Dental Surgery
Some dental conditions require surgical intervention beyond a standard cleaning and extraction. Complex extractions involving multi-rooted teeth, oral mass removals, gum surgery, and jaw fracture stabilization are examples of dental surgical procedures. These cases are planned carefully in advance, often using dental X-rays to map the area before surgery begins. Dental surgery is performed under general anesthesia with the same level of monitoring and care as any other surgical procedure at our clinic. Recovery instructions are provided before discharge, and a follow-up visit is scheduled to confirm healing.
Explore More Services
Most dogs and cats benefit from an annual professional dental cleaning. Some pets are prone to faster tartar buildup due to breed, diet, or saliva pH and may need cleanings more frequently. Our team will assess your pet’s dental health at each wellness exam and let you know when a cleaning is due.
A thorough dental cleaning requires access to the areas below the gumline where most disease occurs. Pets cannot cooperate with this level of examination and cleaning while awake, and attempting to do so without anesthesia results in an incomplete procedure and unnecessary stress. Full anesthesia allows our team to do a proper, safe, and complete job.
Persistent bad breath is one of the most common signs of dental disease in dogs and cats. It is caused by bacteria breaking down plaque and food debris at and below the gumline. A dental exam and cleaning can address the underlying cause. Call us at (403) 930-3500 to schedule an assessment.
Yes, and daily brushing is the single most effective home dental care practice. Use a toothbrush and toothpaste formulated specifically for pets. Start slowly, letting your pet get used to the feel before attempting a full brushing. Even brushing three to four times per week makes a meaningful difference in dental health.
Yes, and daily brushing is the single most effective home dental care practice. Use a toothbrush and toothpaste formulated specifically for pets. Start slowly, letting your pet get used to the feel before attempting a full brushing. Even brushing three to four times per week makes a meaningful difference in dental health.
Yes. Cats are just as susceptible to dental disease as dogs and in some cases more so, because they are very good at hiding discomfort. Feline tooth resorption, a painful condition where tooth structure is absorbed by the body, is common in cats and often requires extraction to resolve. Annual dental exams are recommended for all cats.
Book a dental exam for your dog or cat at NorthWest Animal Hospital in Carrington, NW Calgary. Call (403) 930-3500 or schedule online at nwvet.ca/book-an-appointment/. Open seven days a week for pets throughout NW Calgary.