Dental Care for Dogs and Cats in Walnut Creek
Dental disease is the most common health condition in dogs and cats, and most of it is preventable. Dental care at Rossmoor Pet Hospital gives Walnut Creek families a complete, modern approach: full oral exams at every wellness visit, professional cleanings under anesthesia, digital dental X-rays, extractions when needed, and care for the gum disease that quietly affects most pets by age three.
Why Dental Care Matters for Dogs and Cats
Plaque becomes tartar within days, and tartar leads to gum inflammation, infection, and eventually tooth loss. Beyond the mouth, advanced periodontal disease can affect the heart, kidneys, and liver because bacteria reach the bloodstream through inflamed gums. Bad breath, drooling, dropping food, pawing at the mouth, and reluctance to chew are visible signs, but most early-stage disease is hidden under the gumline.
Professional Dental Cleanings in Walnut Creek
A professional dental cleaning at our Walnut Creek hospital includes a full oral exam, ultrasonic scaling above and below the gumline, polishing, and a fluoride or sealant application. Cleanings are performed under general anesthesia because that is the only way to clean the surfaces patients cannot see, including under the gums where most disease lives. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork, IV fluids, and continuous monitoring keep your pet safe through the visit.
What Happens During a Cleaning
Your pet is admitted in the morning, examined by the veterinarian, placed on IV fluids, and given a customized anesthesia plan. Once safely under, our team scales tartar from every surface, charts each tooth, takes full-mouth dental X-rays, addresses anything we find, and polishes the teeth before recovery.
Tooth Extractions and Oral Surgery
When a tooth is broken, infected, mobile, or causing pain, extraction is often the kindest decision. Our veterinarians evaluate every tooth during the cleaning, confirm findings with dental X-rays, and discuss options before moving forward. Pets bounce back from extractions faster than most owners expect because the pain that was already there is finally gone.
Digital Dental X-Rays
Sixty percent of every tooth sits under the gumline, where you cannot see it. Digital dental X-rays show roots, jaw bone, retained baby teeth, and abscesses that would otherwise be missed. We image every tooth as part of a complete oral assessment.
Oral Health Assessment at Every Wellness Visit
Dental disease is preventable when caught early. At every wellness visit, our veterinarians grade your pet's oral health, note any cracked or worn teeth, look for tartar and gingivitis, and check for masses in the mouth. We will tell you honestly when a professional cleaning is the right next step.
Dental Care for Cats and Home Dental Care Between Visits
Cats are quiet about dental pain. Many cats develop a condition called tooth resorption that destroys teeth from the inside out, and the only reliable way to identify it is with dental X-rays under anesthesia. We see a meaningful number of cats whose appetite, energy, and personality improve dramatically after a dental cleaning. Daily brushing is the gold standard, and we know it is not realistic for every pet. Veterinary-approved dental chews, water additives, and therapeutic diets all support oral health between visits.
FAQs
A clean, healthy mouth changes how your dog or cat feels every day. Book a dental cleaning with our Walnut Creek team online, or call Rossmoor Pet Hospital at (925) 322-2262 to ask about our current dental special.