Pet Dental Care in Mission, BC

Dental disease is one of the most widespread health concerns affecting pets, with most dogs and cats showing signs of periodontal disease by three years of age. Despite being common, it is frequently underidentified because the early signs are easy to miss at home. At Mission Veterinary Hospital in Mission, BC, our team integrates oral health assessment into every wellness exam and offers a full range of dental care services to support your pet’s comfort and long-term health. We are open seven days a week, making it easier for families in Cedar Valley and throughout Mission to access dental care without a long wait.

Dental Examinations and Oral Health Assessments in Mission

Every wellness exam at Mission Veterinary Hospital includes a visual assessment of your pet's teeth and gums. We look for early indicators of dental disease including plaque and tartar buildup, gum recession, bleeding, tooth fractures, retained baby teeth, and oral masses. Catching dental concerns early gives your pet a much better outcome and reduces the likelihood of disease progressing to the point where tooth extractions are necessary. Pets that show signs of oral discomfort, difficulty eating, bad breath, pawing at the mouth, or dropping food warrant a dental examination at the earliest opportunity. A full oral assessment under anaesthesia is required to properly evaluate tooth roots, the gumline, and structures not visible during a conscious exam.

Professional Dental Cleanings for Dogs and Cats in Mission

A professional dental cleaning under general anaesthesia is the only way to thoroughly remove tartar above and below the gumline, where periodontal disease originates and progresses. During a dental cleaning, our team scales all tooth surfaces, including the sulcus below the gumline, using ultrasonic and hand-scaling instruments. Teeth are then polished to smooth the surface and slow the re-attachment of plaque. Digital dental X-rays are performed to evaluate tooth roots and bone beneath the gumline, which cannot be seen during a visual exam. After the cleaning, your veterinarian reviews findings with you, discusses any teeth that required extraction or additional care, and outlines a home dental care plan appropriate for your pet. Anaesthetic safety protocols including pre-anaesthetic bloodwork and vital sign monitoring are applied throughout.

Digital Dental X-Rays for Pets in Mission

Dental X-rays are a standard and essential part of comprehensive dental care in veterinary medicine. Approximately sixty percent of each tooth lies below the gumline and cannot be assessed through visual examination alone. Digital dental X-rays allow our team to evaluate root integrity, bone density, tooth resorption in cats, retained roots, and other concerns that affect whether a tooth can be safely maintained or requires extraction. Our digital X-ray system provides high-resolution images quickly, reducing anaesthetic time. Every dental cleaning at Mission Veterinary Hospital includes full-mouth dental X-rays as part of the standard of care, not as an optional add-on.

Tooth Extractions and Oral Surgery in Mission

Not every tooth can or should be saved. Teeth with severe periodontal disease, root fractures, resorption, or abscesses that cannot be managed conservatively are candidates for extraction. Tooth extraction relieves pain and removes the source of ongoing infection, often leading to a noticeable improvement in a pet's comfort and quality of life. Our team performs single and multi-rooted extractions with care, including proper tissue handling and post-extraction wound management. Extraction sites are closed with absorbable sutures where appropriate. Pets recover from dental procedures more comfortably than many owners expect, and our team provides detailed home care instructions to support healing in the days after the procedure.

Home Dental Care for Dogs and Cats

Professional cleanings are most effective when supported by a consistent home care routine. Toothbrushing is the single most effective home care approach for slowing plaque accumulation, and it is easiest to introduce when pets are young. Our team can show you how to introduce toothbrushing gradually and recommend alternatives for pets who do not tolerate brushing, including dental rinses, water additives, and veterinarian-approved dental chews. We tailor home dental care recommendations to your pet's tolerance level, the severity of their existing dental disease, and the products most likely to be realistic for your daily routine. Ask our team at your next visit for personalised guidance on dental home care for your pet.

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FAQs

How do I know if my pet has dental disease?

Common signs that may indicate dental disease in pets include bad breath, yellow or brown buildup on the teeth, red or swollen gums, difficulty eating, dropping food, pawing at the mouth, or changes in chewing habits. Many pets with dental disease do not show obvious signs of discomfort even when the condition has progressed significantly. Regular wellness exams allow our team to identify dental concerns early, before they become serious.

Does my pet need to go under anaesthesia for a dental cleaning?

Yes. A thorough dental cleaning, including scaling below the gumline and dental X-rays, requires general anaesthesia for your pet’s safety and comfort. Pets cannot cooperate with the process in the same way a person can, and trying to clean teeth without anaesthesia risks injuring the pet and misses the most clinically important areas. Anaesthesia allows our team to perform a complete oral assessment and clean every surface safely and effectively.

How often should my dog or cat have a dental cleaning?

The frequency of professional dental cleanings depends on your pet’s individual level of tartar accumulation, their home care routine, and their breed. Small breeds and flat-faced dogs and cats often accumulate tartar more quickly and may benefit from annual cleanings. Other pets may do well with cleanings every one to two years. Your veterinarian will recommend an appropriate schedule based on your pet’s oral health at each exam.

My cat has been eating less lately. Could it be a dental problem?

Reduced appetite in cats can be associated with several health concerns, and dental pain is one of them. Cats are particularly prone to a condition called tooth resorption that can cause significant discomfort and lead to reduced eating. We recommend booking an exam so our team can assess your cat’s mouth and overall health. Call us at (604) 826-8456 to arrange an appointment.

Is dental care available at Mission Veterinary Hospital for rabbits?

Yes. Rabbits are prone to dental issues including overgrown incisors and molar spurs that can cause difficulty eating and discomfort. Our team assesses rabbit dental health during wellness exams and can discuss appropriate care options if a concern is found. Please call us at (604) 826-8456 if your rabbit is showing signs of difficulty eating or drooling.

Protect your pet's smile and their overall health. Call Mission Veterinary Hospital at (604) 826-8456 to book a dental exam or professional cleaning in Mission, BC. Our team is open seven days a week to keep your pet comfortable.