Pet Dental Care in San Francisco
Pet dental care in San Francisco addresses the pain, infection, and systemic health problems that untreated periodontal disease causes. Dental disease affects more than 80 percent of pets by age three, often progressing beneath the gum line before visible signs appear. Ocean Avenue Veterinary Hospital provides professional dental cleanings, digital dental X-rays, tooth extractions, scaling, polishing, oral health assessments, and full dental surgery for dogs and cats. Our dental team includes Dr. Fady Baskharon, DVM, whose areas of interest include dentistry across both species.
Professional Dental Cleaning for Dogs and Cats
Professional dental cleanings at OAVH remove plaque and tartar buildup that causes periodontal disease. Every cleaning is performed under general anesthesia, allowing our team to work thoroughly and safely while keeping your pet comfortable throughout. Our dental team cleans both above and below the gum line, where bacteria accumulate and cause the most serious damage. Annual or biannual cleanings are recommended based on your pet's oral health status.
Dental X-Rays for Dogs and Cats
More than 60 percent of dental disease occurs beneath the surface, where visual examination cannot detect it. Digital dental radiography reveals tooth root abscesses, bone loss, retained roots, and impacted teeth that are invisible to the naked eye. At OAVH, full-mouth dental X-rays are taken during every professional cleaning under anesthesia. Radiographic findings directly guide our cleaning, extraction, and surgical decisions, ensuring no hidden disease is left unaddressed.
Dental Extractions
Tooth extraction becomes necessary when periodontal disease, fractures, resorptive lesions, or decay damage teeth beyond the point of recovery. Ocean Avenue Veterinary Hospital performs both simple and surgical extractions using appropriate anesthetic protocols and nerve blocks for pain management. Multi-rooted teeth are carefully sectioned, and all root fragments are removed to prevent post-operative complications. Extraction sites are sutured closed. Removing diseased teeth addresses the source of ongoing pain and infection.
Scaling and Polishing
Dental scaling removes hard tartar deposits from tooth surfaces and beneath the gum line using ultrasonic scalers that break up calculus without damaging enamel. Subgingival scaling is the most critical step, as bacteria trapped below the gum line cause the most serious periodontal damage. Tooth polishing follows scaling, smoothing enamel surfaces to slow plaque reaccumulation. Smooth, polished teeth stay cleaner longer between professional cleanings, extending the benefit of each dental visit.
Oral Health Assessment
A comprehensive oral health assessment at OAVH examines every tooth and the surrounding gum and bone tissue. Our dental team probes periodontal pockets, assesses gum recession, evaluates tooth mobility, and charts dental findings with each visit. Early identification of periodontal disease, resorptive lesions, and oral masses allows for prompt intervention before conditions progress. Oral health assessments are performed as part of every professional cleaning and are available during wellness exams when dental concerns arise.
Dental Prophylaxis
Dental prophylaxis is the complete professional cleaning procedure performed under general anesthesia at OAVH. It includes a thorough oral examination, scaling above and below the gum line, polishing, and fluoride application when appropriate. Every tooth is charted and all findings documented for future comparison. Dental prophylaxis, combined with home dental care, supports oral health and helps reduce the accumulation of plaque and tartar between professional visits.
Dental Surgery
Dental surgery at OAVH addresses conditions beyond the scope of routine extractions and cleaning. Our team performs surgical extractions of impacted teeth, jaw fracture repair, oral mass removal, and management of oronasal fistulas. Full-mouth digital radiographs guide every surgical plan. Nerve blocks and multimodal pain management ensure your pet is comfortable during and after dental surgical procedures. All oral masses are submitted for histopathology to confirm the tissue type and guide any further care recommendations.
FAQs
Book a professional dental cleaning for your dog or cat at Ocean Avenue Veterinary Hospital in San Francisco. Call (415) 586-5327 or book online. Walk in any time for urgent dental concerns. Open 24 hours a day.