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Veterinary Dental Care for Dogs and Cats in Stittsville, Kanata, and West Ottawa

Medically Guided Dental Cleaning, Extractions, and Oral Care — With Veterinarian Oversight

Dental disease is one of the most common and overlooked sources of chronic pain in pets. At Stittsville Kanata Veterinary Hospital, dentistry is approached as medical treatment — not a cosmetic procedure — with veterinarian-directed assessment, planned pain control, and careful evaluation of the entire mouth, including below the gumline.

What Is Veterinary Dental Care for Pets ?

Veterinary dental care involves a complete medical evaluation of the teeth, gums, and oral structures under general anesthesia. This allows thorough cleaning below the gumline, assessment for hidden disease, and treatment of infected, broken, or painful teeth that cannot be safely addressed in an awake pet.

How Dental Care Is Approached at Our Clinic

At our clinic, dentistry is structured as medical treatment with veterinarian oversight, rather than a delegated or cosmetic service.

 

 

Veterinarian-directed assessment and decision-making

 

A veterinarian is present for evaluation, interpretation of findings, and treatment decisions throughout the procedure. Findings discovered under anesthesia are assessed medically and addressed appropriately.

 

 

Below-the-gumline disease is evaluated

 

Dental disease often exists beneath the gums where it cannot be seen during an awake exam. Probing and dental x-rays are used to assess infection, bone loss, fractured roots, or dead teeth that would otherwise go undetected.

 

 

Treatment decisions are guided by findings during the procedure

 

When teeth are identified as dead, infected, unstable, fractured, or painful, they are addressed during the same anesthetic event when it is safe to do so, rather than postponing necessary treatment.

 

 

Pain control is planned — not reactive

 

Local nerve blocks, appropriate anesthesia, and post-procedure pain management are incorporated intentionally to support comfort and recovery.

 

 

Time and technique matter

 

Adequate time is allocated for careful evaluation, treatment, and tissue handling. Procedures are not rushed.

 

 

Monitoring is individualized

 

Anesthesia and monitoring are tailored based on your pet’s age, size, breed, and medical status rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

What Happens During a Dental Cleaning and Oral Procedure?

A dental procedure is similar in concept to a human dental cleaning, with the key difference that pets are under general anesthesia to allow a complete and comfortable evaluation.

 

During the procedure:
 

 

  • The entire mouth is examined for plaque, gum disease, fractures, tumors, and abnormal teeth

  • Dental probing is used to assess gum pockets and attachment

  • Dental x-rays may be performed to evaluate structures below the gumline

  • Teeth are scaled above and below the gums and then polished

  • Teeth that are dead, infected, unstable, broken, or painful may be extracted

  • Local numbing medications may be used

  • Extraction sites are cleaned, smoothed, and closed with dissolvable sutures when needed

Why General Anesthesia Is Required for Proper Dental Care

General anesthesia allows a thorough, pain-free evaluation and treatment of the mouth. Without anesthesia, it is not possible to safely clean below the gumline, obtain dental x-rays, assess painful areas, or perform extractions. Anesthesia-free dental cleanings are not recommended because they cannot treat disease below the gums and may miss painful conditions.

Why Dental X-Rays Matter

Many painful dental problems are hidden below the gumline. Dental x-rays allow assessment of:
 

 

  • Broken or infected tooth roots

  • Dead or non-vital teeth

  • Bone loss and advanced periodontal disease

  • Retained root fragments

 

Without x-rays, serious disease may go undetected even when teeth appear normal on the surface.

When Are Tooth Extractions Recommended?

Extractions are recommended when teeth are identified as dead, infected, unstable, fractured, or painful. Many pets do not show obvious signs of mouth pain. After diseased teeth are removed, comfort often improves, appetite may increase, and many pets return quickly to normal eating — even when multiple teeth are extracted.

Pain Control and Recovery After Dental Procedures

Pain management is incorporated proactively. Most pets recover well and may return to normal activity gradually. Some pets require soft food for a short period after extractions while gums heal. Stitches typically dissolve on their own. Pain medication is commonly prescribed for several days as needed.

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Anesthetic Safety and the Role of Diagnostic Testing

Physical examination alone cannot detect all underlying conditions. Pre-anesthetic testing may be recommended to help identify hidden issues and improve safety.

 

Diagnostic testing may help:
 

 

  • Evaluate kidney and liver function for anesthetic handling

  • Identify anemia or infection

  • Guide anesthetic planning

  • Improve monitoring and recovery

 

Despite careful screening, anesthesia always carries some risk. Honest history sharing and appropriate testing improve safety but cannot eliminate all risk.

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Veterinary exam room at Stittsville Kanata Veterinary Hospital used for urgent medical assessment.

Free Dental Estimates for Eligible Pets

We offer free dental estimates for pets with no known prior medical illnesses or chronic conditions. This allows owners to understand the recommended approach and next steps before scheduling.

 

Text us to schedule a dental estimate or discuss your pet’s oral health. (long press here to open your phone's messages app)

When to Contact the Veterinarian After Dental Care

Contact the clinic if you notice:
 

 

  • Marked lethargy or collapse

  • Labored or rapid breathing

  • Persistent bleeding or discharge from the mouth

  • Worsening swelling or pain

  • No appetite beyond 24 hours

  • Any sudden deterioration

 

If we are unavailable, seek emergency veterinary care promptly.

Our Goal With Dental Care

The goal of veterinary dentistry is to:
 

 

  • Identify disease accurately

  • Treat pain and infection appropriately

  • Support patient safety

  • Improve comfort and quality of life

 

Dental care is guided by what is discovered during the procedure, with decisions made medically and thoughtfully.

Dental Care FAQs

Can I brush my pet’s teeth instead of a dental cleaning?
 

Brushing helps slow plaque buildup but cannot remove established calculus or treat disease below the gumline. Dental cleaning is needed once disease is present.

 

 

Will my pet be painful after extractions?
 

Pain control is planned in advance. Most pets recover comfortably and quickly, often feeling better once painful teeth are removed.

 

 

Are dental procedures only cosmetic?
 

No. Dental disease is a medical condition that can cause pain, infection, and systemic health issues if left untreated.

Concerned about your pet’s teeth or breath?
 

Text us to schedule a dental estimate or speak with our team about whether dental care is appropriate for your pet.

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