​The Procedure:


  • Pet is placed under anesthesia; We do recommend pre-anesthetic bloodwork to ensure your pet is healthy enough to withstand anesthesia. 
  • Teeth are hand scaled and cleaned with dental equipment, very similar to a human dentist
  • Teeth are then polished
  • ​Sometimes the doctor must extract teeth when the roots have been destroyed due to infection. Only when the animal is under sedation will the doctor know if any teeth must be extracted. If your pet has signs of gingivitis, antibiotics will be sent home to ensure your pet's health. 
  • A re-check is recommended to make sure the infection has subsided. 

Dental Services


Why do our pets need dental services?

Did you know that 70-85% of animals over the age of two have some form of dental disease? This disease can have a major impact on your companion's vital organs, like the heart, liver and kidneys. Lunenburg Animal Hospital is dedicated in making sure your animals teeth do not hinder their health and comfort. 


​What causes dental disease? 

Food materials, bacteria and saliva will back up and attach to the tooth's surface causing soft plaque to form, which can be removed easily. However, if left unattended, it will continue to build up and result in a hard/chalk substance. This buildup can cause the gums to become eroded, inflamed and infected. This neglect can cause the teeth to become loose or even fall out. 


What can you do to prevent this from happening?

Routine dental exams, cleanings and at home brushing and dental chews can protect your pets teeth form dental disease. 





















Symptoms of dental disease: 

  • Foul smelling breath
  • Stained teeth (brown/yellow)
  • Unstable or loose teeth 
  • Irritated gums (usually red, inflamed, swollen) 
  • Have a difficult time eating due to dental pain

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Expectations from owner if pet is receiving a dental cleaning:

  • No food after 10 p.m. because anesthesia is required; Water is fine
  • All pets must be up to date on vaccines
  • ​Pets must be at the office between 9:00-10:00 a.m. so doctor can perform procedure in the morning, which will allow the pet to go home between 4:00-4:30 p.m.

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​At home care after dental cleaning:

  • ​We recommend CET enzymatic oral hygiene chews and or Greenies to help reduce tartar and plaque.
  • Some pets may experience sensitive gums after a cleaning, if this occurs fed your pet soft food for several days.
  • For pets over 5 years of old will require a dental cleaning at least once a year to maintain optimum oral hygiene. 


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