Dog & Cat Dental Care In Oak Park, CA | Kanan Veterinary Hospital

Your pet will be under anesthesia during this procedure to eliminate discomfort and allow a thorough examination, cleaning, and root planning, as well as polishing. Radiographs of the teeth and roots will be taken, and, when needed, extractions or treatments with sealants or local antibiotics will address gingival and crown defects. The entire oral cavity will also be examined for any masses. While under anesthesia, a soft plastic tube is placed in the throat to support breathing and prevent inhalation of the water used to clean the teeth.

Infected or inflamed gums increase the risk of developing diseases of the stomach, liver, and heart. In addition to removing visible plaque and tartar, a proper dental cleaning removes bacteria from under the gums through root planning. In some cases, a local antibiotic may be deposited along the gums to aid in their healing. Regular dental cleanings reduce the likelihood of future pain and tooth loss.

We will discuss your pet’s specific case during the predental exam, but only the procedure itself will reveal exactly what needs to be done. Veterinary tooth extractions are common for several reasons: root abscesses, gum infections, bone loss, or nonsalvageable crown fractures. Dr. Ravenscroft reviews every radiograph and assesses the condition of the gums and crown before deciding on an extraction.

After extraction, the gums are closed with sutures that dissolve on their own over the next two months. The good news is that pets typically recover very quickly. They may experience mild oral discomfort and temporary bleeding, but the vast majority of extractions are completed without complications, and your pet will soon feel better than ever.

When extracting a tooth, we first apply a local anesthetic to the socket, instantly numbing the area and eliminating pressure and cutting sensations. After the extraction, we prescribe a short course of systemic analgesics—usually NSAIDs, with a mild opioid or gabapentin if needed—to control lingering inflammation, swelling, and pain. This twostep strategy provides immediate numbness and continued comfort until the tissue fully heals.

Most pets begin to eat again the day after their procedure. To keep things comfortable while they heal, give them soft food such as canned meals or moistened kibble. This helps avoid irritation and supports recovery. After the appointment we’ll hand you a discharge sheet that outlines the exact steps for your pet’s care, including feeding tips, activity limits, and signs to watch for. We’ll sit down together, walk through each point, and answer any questions you have so you feel confident about the next steps.

We look forward to hearing from you, and we are happy to help with any questions or concerns you might have about your pet’s dental health in Oak Park. Schedule an appointment for a pet dental consultation today. Call us at 818-532-7434!