Pet Dental Cleanings & Oral Surgery in Montville, NJ
Professional dental cleanings, digital radiographs, oral surgery, and comprehensive dental care for dogs and cats — because a healthy mouth means a happier, healthier pet.
At Montville Animal Hospital, we provide professional dental cleanings, dental radiographs (X-rays), oral surgery, and comprehensive dental care for dogs and cats throughout Montville, Towaco, Pine Brook, Boonton, Parsippany, Lincoln Park, Pequannock, and surrounding Morris County communities.
Dental health is an important part of your pet’s overall health and quality of life. Periodontal disease is one of the most common medical conditions seen in both dogs and cats, and pets often hide signs of discomfort. Many owners are surprised to learn that significant dental disease can be present long before obvious symptoms develop.
Our goal is to identify dental disease early, relieve pain, and help pets maintain healthy, comfortable mouths throughout life.
Why Is Dental Care Important?
Dental disease begins when plaque and bacteria accumulate on the teeth and along the gumline. Over time, this can lead to inflammation, infection, gum recession, tooth loss, and chronic oral pain.
Many of the most serious dental problems occur below the gumline, where they cannot be seen during a routine exam at home. Regular dental evaluations and professional cleanings help identify problems early and allow us to create a treatment plan before disease becomes advanced.
Signs Your Pet May Need a Dental Evaluation
- Bad breath
- Yellow or brown tartar buildup
- Red or inflamed gums
- Difficulty chewing
- Dropping food while eating
- Preference for softer foods
- Pawing at the mouth
- Excessive drooling
- Loose or missing teeth
- Facial swelling
- Decreased appetite
- Changes in behavior or activity level
Note: Many pets with dental disease continue eating normally, even when significant discomfort is present. If you notice any of these signs, we recommend scheduling an examination so we can evaluate your pet’s oral health.
Professional Dental Cleanings
Professional dental cleanings are performed under general anesthesia so every surface of the teeth can be thoroughly evaluated and cleaned, including the areas below the gumline where periodontal disease develops.
During a dental procedure, we:
- Perform a complete oral examination
- Remove plaque and tartar above and below the gumline
- Polish the teeth
- Assess gum health
- Evaluate each tooth individually
- Obtain dental radiographs when indicated
- Identify damaged, infected, or painful teeth
- Develop treatment recommendations based on our findings
Why Are Dental Radiographs Important?
Much of a tooth lies below the gumline and cannot be evaluated by visual exam alone. Dental radiographs allow us to assess tooth roots, surrounding bone, hidden infections, fractures, resorptive lesions, and other conditions that would otherwise go undetected.
Just as dental X-rays are an important part of human dentistry, they are often a critical part of veterinary dental care.
Oral Surgery and Tooth Extractions
When a tooth is severely damaged, infected, fractured, or causing pain, extraction may be the most appropriate treatment.
While many owners worry about tooth removal, pets generally adapt extremely well and often feel significantly better once a painful tooth has been addressed. Our team will discuss findings and treatment recommendations so clients can make informed decisions about their pet’s care.
Home Dental Care
Professional dental cleanings are only one part of maintaining good oral health. Home dental care can help slow the progression of dental disease between professional evaluations.
Helpful options may include:
- Regular tooth brushing
- Veterinary-approved dental diets
- Dental chews
- VOHC-approved dental products
- Routine veterinary examinations
Not every pet will tolerate every form of home care, and we are happy to help develop a dental care plan that works for each individual pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does my pet need a dental cleaning?
Every pet is different. Some pets benefit from annual dental cleanings, while others may require more or less frequent care depending on breed, genetics, existing dental disease, and home dental care habits.
Is anesthesia safe for dental cleanings?
Patient safety is our top priority. Before anesthesia, we perform a physical examination and recommend appropriate pre-anesthetic testing when indicated. Modern monitoring equipment and trained veterinary professionals help us provide the safest possible experience for each pet.
Why can’t my pet have a dental cleaning while awake?
A complete and effective dental cleaning requires evaluation and cleaning below the gumline, where periodontal disease develops. This is not possible in an awake patient. Anesthesia also allows us to perform a thorough oral examination and obtain dental radiographs safely and comfortably.
Is bad breath normal?
No. Persistent bad breath is often one of the earliest signs of dental disease. While many owners assume it is normal, unpleasant breath frequently indicates infection, inflammation, or periodontal disease.
Will my pet need teeth extracted?
Not necessarily. Many pets undergo routine dental cleanings without requiring extractions. However, if a tooth is painful, infected, fractured, or no longer healthy, extraction may be recommended to improve the pet’s comfort and long-term oral health.
What happens if dental disease is left untreated?
Untreated dental disease can progress over time, resulting in chronic pain, infection, tooth loss, abscess formation, and worsening oral health. Early intervention is often simpler and more comfortable than treating advanced disease.
Schedule a Dental Evaluation
If your pet has bad breath, visible tartar, red gums, or if it has been a while since their last dental evaluation, our team can help.
Contact Montville Animal Hospital to schedule a dental examination and learn more about keeping your pet’s teeth healthy for years to come.