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Dental Care

Real dentistry. Not just a polish.

A proper veterinary dental requires anesthesia, full-mouth x-rays, periodontal probing, and treatment of what we find. Anesthesia-free "cleanings" miss the 60% of disease that lives below the gumline. Our COHATs are the real thing.

60%
Of dental disease is below the gumline
COHAT Procedure

Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment & Treatment.

COHAT is the modern standard for veterinary dentistry. Under anesthesia, we examine, x-ray, scale, polish, and treat every tooth — diagnosing the full mouth instead of guessing at what we can see from the outside.

  • Pre-anesthetic bloodwork
  • IV catheter & fluids during procedure
  • Full-mouth digital dental x-rays
  • Ultrasonic scaling above & below gumline
  • Periodontal probing of every tooth
  • Polishing with prophy paste
  • Fluoride or sealant application
  • Detailed dental chart for your records
Dental Radiographs

X-rays are non-negotiable.

Without x-rays, we can't see resorptive lesions, root abscesses, retained roots, or jaw bone loss. Studies show 30–60% of dental issues are invisible without imaging. Every dental we do includes full-mouth films — at no extra charge.

  • Digital dental x-ray sensor
  • Every tooth imaged, every time
  • Findings reviewed with you after the procedure
  • Detects abscesses & resorptive lesions
  • Identifies fractured roots
  • Required for accurate treatment plans
  • No additional fee — included in COHAT
  • Images sent to specialists if needed
Extractions

When a tooth has to come out.

Severe periodontal disease, fractured roots, and feline resorptive lesions all need extraction. Our doctors are trained in surgical extraction techniques — including bone flaps and gingival sutures — that minimize trauma and speed healing.

  • Local nerve blocks for pain control
  • Surgical extractions for difficult roots
  • Gingival flap closure with absorbable suture
  • Post-op pain medications sent home
  • Soft food protocol explained
  • Recheck in 2 weeks at no charge
  • Owner cost confirmed before extraction
  • Photos available on request
Home Dental Care

What you can do between cleanings.

Daily brushing is the gold standard, but we know it's not realistic for every pet. We'll show you what works for yours — including dental diets, water additives, and VOHC-approved chews that actually help.

  • Brushing demos at every visit
  • VOHC-accepted product list
  • Prescription dental diets
  • Enzymatic chews & treats
  • Water additives for cats
  • Greenies for compliant chewers
  • Personalized plan at each cleaning
  • Annual dental checks free for our patients
What to expect

Your pet's dental day.

Most pets are home by mid-afternoon and back to normal within 24 hours. Here's what happens between drop-off and pick-up.

1

Drop-off & exam

7:30–8:30 AM. We confirm fasting, do a final exam, and place an IV catheter.

2

Anesthesia & x-rays

Pre-medications, induction, intubation. Full-mouth x-rays before any cleaning starts.

3

Cleaning & treatment

Scale, polish, and treat any findings. Doctor calls you before any extraction is performed.

4

Recovery & pick-up

Slow wake-up in our recovery ward. Pick-up usually 2–4 PM. Discharge papers, meds, and rechecks scheduled.

Common Questions

FAQ.

Why does my pet need anesthesia?
Pets don't hold still for x-rays, probing, or scaling below the gumline. Anesthesia is the only way to do a real dental — and modern protocols make it very safe, even for senior pets. We monitor every patient with the same equipment used in human surgery.
Are anesthesia-free cleanings safe?
They look nice but they don't treat disease. They miss everything below the gumline (which is where most disease lives), and the rough handling can fracture teeth or push bacteria into the bloodstream. We don't recommend them.
My pet is 14 — is anesthesia too risky?
Age alone isn't a contraindication. We pre-screen with bloodwork, tailor the protocol to seniors, and use IV fluids and warming throughout. Untreated dental disease is more dangerous than a well-monitored anesthetic.
How often does my pet need a dental?
Small breeds: every 12–18 months. Medium and large breeds: every 18–24 months. Cats: every 12–24 months depending on resorption history. We'll tell you honestly when it's time.
Will my pet need extractions?
Maybe. We don't know until we x-ray and probe every tooth. We always call you with x-ray findings and a treatment plan before doing extractions, and we work to save teeth whenever possible.

Bad breath isn't normal.

It's a sign of dental disease. Book a dental consult — we'll grade your pet's mouth and give you an honest recommendation.

Serving Encino & the San Fernando Valley

Trusted veterinary care for pets across the area:

Sherman Oaks VetTarzana VetStudio City VetWoodland Hills Vet