Pet Dental Care in Abbotsford

Preventive pet care is the foundation of a long, healthy life for dogs and cats in Abbotsford. At Abby Veterinary Hospital and Emergency, our daytime veterinary team provides comprehensive pet care services to keep your companion healthy from the inside out. Whether your pet is due for annual vaccinations, a wellness check, or parasite prevention, our experienced DVMs offer personalized care tailored to your pet’s age, breed, and lifestyle. We are open every day from 12 PM, with emergency services available from 8 PM to 8 AM.

Dental Cleaning

A professional dental cleaning is performed under general anesthesia to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces, including beneath the gumline where a toothbrush cannot reach. At Abby Vet, every dental cleaning includes a full oral examination, charting of each tooth, scaling, and polishing. Anesthesia-free dental cleaning does not meet the standard of care for pets and is not offered at our clinic. A professional cleaning performed by our team provides a level of thoroughness and safety that protects your pet's long-term dental health.

Dental Extraction

When a tooth is severely infected, fractured, or damaged beyond the point where it can remain healthy, extraction is often the most compassionate option to relieve pain and prevent the spread of infection to surrounding teeth and the jawbone. Our veterinarians assess each tooth individually using dental X-rays to confirm root involvement before proceeding. Post-extraction care instructions are provided to support comfortable healing at home, and most pets recover well within a few days.

Dental X-Ray

Many significant dental conditions, including tooth root infections, cysts, bone loss, and retained roots, exist entirely beneath the gumline and cannot be identified through visual examination alone. Dental radiography allows our team to evaluate the full structure of each tooth, including the root and surrounding bone, and to make informed decisions about which teeth require extraction or further management. Dental X-rays are a standard part of every professional dental procedure at Abby Vet.

Scaling

Scaling removes the mineralized tartar that accumulates on tooth surfaces over time, particularly beneath the gumline where it cannot be addressed by brushing at home. Subgingival tartar is the primary driver of periodontal disease in pets, and its removal is a key step in protecting gum health and preventing tooth loss. Our team uses specialized dental instruments to scale every surface of each tooth as part of our comprehensive dental care protocol.

Dental Prophylaxis

Dental prophylaxis is a preventive dental procedure that combines examination, scaling, polishing, and full oral health assessment into one scheduled appointment. Regular prophylactic dental care is the most effective way to prevent the accumulation of tartar and progression of periodontal disease in dogs and cats. Our team recommends professional prophylaxis frequency based on your pet's individual oral health status, breed, and home care routine.

Polishing

Polishing follows scaling and removes the microscopic scratches left on enamel surfaces during the cleaning process. By smoothing the tooth surface, polishing makes it significantly harder for plaque to adhere and re-accumulate, which slows the return of tartar buildup between cleanings. Polishing is a standard final step in every professional dental procedure at Abby Vet and contributes meaningfully to the lasting results of each cleaning appointment.

Explore More Services

Wellness exams and preventive pet care

Medical assessment for dental pain or infection

Book a dental appointment in Abbotsford

How often does my pet need a professional dental cleaning?

Most dogs and cats benefit from a professional dental cleaning every 1 to 2 years, though pets with smaller mouths, crowded teeth, or a history of rapid tartar buildup may need more frequent care. Our veterinarians assess your pet’s oral health at each wellness visit and will recommend the appropriate interval for professional cleanings.

Do I need to fast my pet before a dental cleaning?

What are the signs that my pet needs a dental assessment?

Signs of dental disease include bad breath, difficulty eating, dropping food, pawing at the mouth, drooling, visible tartar buildup, red or swollen gums, and loose teeth. Many pets with dental pain continue to eat normally, so bad breath or visible tartar are often the first signs owners notice. Annual dental checks at wellness visits help identify problems early.

Is it safe for older pets to have dental cleanings under anesthesia?

Age alone is not a contraindication for anesthesia. Our team performs pre-anesthetic blood work for senior patients to assess organ function before proceeding. With appropriate pre-anesthetic screening and individualized anesthesia planning, dental procedures can be performed safely in most senior dogs and cats. We discuss the risks and benefits with you in advance.

Protect your dog or cat’s long-term health with professional dental care at Abby Vet Emergency in Abbotsford. Our team is available from 12 PM every day. Call (604) 969-0911 to schedule a dental appointment or wellness visit that includes an oral health check.