Pet Dental Care in Andrews, NC
At Andrews Veterinary Hospital, we provide comprehensive dental care for dogs and cats, including professional cleanings, digital dental X-rays, extractions, and home care guidance. Our goal is to detect and treat dental disease early, preventing pain and protecting your pet’s long-term health.
Why Dental Care Is Important
Dental disease is the most common chronic health condition in pets, affecting more than 70% of cats and 80% of dogs by age three. When plaque and bacteria accumulate along the gumline, they cause inflammation, infection, and pain that can lead to tooth loss and damage to vital organs. Left untreated, oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart, liver, and kidneys. Regular veterinary dental exams and cleanings protect your pet from these risks by preventing infection, relieving discomfort, and supporting overall health. Even pets who seem to eat normally may be hiding significant dental pain—making professional dental care essential for long-term comfort and quality of life.
Signs of Dental Disease
Because pets rarely show obvious signs of pain, dental problems can go unnoticed until they’re advanced. Recognizing the early symptoms of oral disease can make all the difference. Book an appointment with us if you notice:
- Bad breath or drooling
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Yellow or brown tartar buildup
- Loose, broken, or missing teeth
- Pawing at the mouth or reluctance to eat
- Swelling around the face or jaw
These symptoms often indicate periodontal disease, which can cause chronic pain, tooth loss, and infection if left untreated.
What to Expect from a Dental Exam
Every dental exam at Andrews Veterinary Hospital is designed to be thorough, safe, and tailored to your pet’s needs. A complete oral health evaluation includes:
- Pre-anesthetic bloodwork to ensure your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia
- Oral exam under anesthesia to check every tooth, gum surface, and soft tissue area
- Charting and documentation of missing, fractured, or diseased teeth, as well as gum pockets or resorptive lesions
- Treatment recommendations for any findings, from cleaning to surgical care
Because awake pets can’t tolerate deep cleaning or probing under the gumline, these exams are performed under controlled anesthesia for safety and accuracy.
Dental Radiographs (X-rays)
We use digital dental radiography to look beneath the surface of your pet’s teeth and gums—where up to 80% of dental disease occurs. These high-quality images allow our veterinarians to detect problems that aren’t visible during a routine oral exam, such as tooth root abscesses, bone loss from periodontal disease, or hidden fractures. Dental X-rays can also reveal retained roots, unerupted teeth that may form cysts, resorptive lesions (especially in cats), and jaw abnormalities. Because digital imaging provides instant, clear results, our team can evaluate findings immediately, develop an appropriate treatment plan, and minimize anesthesia time for your pet.
Professional Dental Cleaning
Our dental cleanings are designed to restore oral health while preventing future disease. Each cleaning includes ultrasonic and hand scaling to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gumline, followed by polishing to smooth enamel and slow new buildup.
The Use of Anesthesia in Teeth Cleaning
General anesthesia is essential for a safe, effective dental cleaning. It allows our team to clean beneath the gums and fully evaluate every tooth without causing stress or discomfort. Pets are continuously monitored for heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels to ensure a smooth and safe procedure from start to finish.
Extractions and Oral Surgery
Extractions may be necessary for:
- Severely damaged or fractured teeth
- Advanced periodontal disease
- Root abscesses or bone loss
- Resorptive lesions in cats
Following surgery, we provide detailed home care instructions and pain control to help your pet heal quickly and comfortably.
Prevention and Home Care
Maintaining your pet’s oral health doesn’t end after a professional cleaning—daily home care is key to preventing plaque buildup and gum disease. Our team will help you develop an easy-to-follow routine for lasting results.
Recommended home care practices include:
- Brushing your pet’s teeth several times a week using pet-safe toothpaste
- Offering VOHC-approved dental chews, rinses, or diets
- Scheduling annual or semi-annual dental exams
- Monitoring for early signs of discomfort or odor
Consistent preventive care reduces the need for extractions, lowers long-term veterinary costs, and helps pets live healthier lives.
Healthier Smiles, Happier Pets
At Andrews Veterinary Hospital, we take a proactive approach to pet dentistry—combining advanced digital imaging, gentle cleanings, and expert surgical care to protect oral and overall health. Our experienced team provides comprehensive dental care for dogs and cats, helping prevent pain, infection, and systemic illness before they start. Trusted by pet owners across Cherokee County, NC, we’re dedicated to making every visit as thorough, comfortable, and compassionate as possible—because a healthy mouth means a healthier pet.