Dental Services for Dogs and Cats in Nanaimo
Dental disease is one of the most common and most overlooked health concerns in dogs and cats. Veterinarians widely recognise that the majority of adult pets show some degree of periodontal disease, yet dental health often goes unaddressed until a pet is in significant discomfort. At Harewood Pet Hospital in Nanaimo, dental care is one of our highest-priority services. Dr. Satnam Singh Mann has a particular interest in dentistry and takes a thorough, patient approach to every oral assessment and dental procedure. We offer dental exams, professional cleanings, scaling, polishing, dental X-rays, and extractions for dogs and cats. Our clinic is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Dental Exams for Dogs and Cats in Nanaimo
A dental assessment begins with a thorough oral examination during your pet's wellness visit. Dr. Mann evaluates the teeth, gums, tongue, palate, and surrounding structures for signs of plaque accumulation, tartar build-up, gingivitis, periodontal disease, fractured teeth, retained deciduous teeth, and oral masses. Pets rarely show pain overtly and often continue eating even when their mouths are significantly sore, which means dental concerns frequently go unnoticed until they are well advanced. Regular oral assessments are the most reliable way to identify dental disease before it progresses to a stage that requires more involved care. For pets with confirmed dental concerns or those whose teeth have not been professionally cleaned recently, a dental cleaning under general anaesthesia is recommended. At every wellness exam, the oral cavity is assessed and owners are given an honest picture of their pet's current dental health status and what, if anything, is recommended next.
Professional Dental Cleaning in Nanaimo
A professional dental cleaning at Harewood Pet Hospital is performed under general anaesthesia. Anaesthesia allows a thorough, safe, and comfortable cleaning of every surface of every tooth, including the surfaces below the gumline where periodontal disease begins and progresses. Awake dental cleanings do not allow full access to subgingival surfaces and are not recommended by veterinary dental associations. Before every anaesthetic dental procedure, a pre-anaesthetic examination and blood work panel are completed to confirm your pet is a safe candidate. During the cleaning, scaling removes tartar from crown and root surfaces, polishing smooths the enamel to reduce future plaque adhesion, and gum pockets are irrigated to support healing. Every tooth is assessed for mobility, fracture depth, and pocket measurements as a standard part of each dental cleaning at Harewood Pet Hospital.
Dental X-Rays for Pets in Nanaimo
Dental radiography is an essential part of a complete oral assessment. A significant portion of each tooth lies below the gumline and cannot be evaluated during a visual examination alone. Dental X-rays allow your veterinarian to assess tooth roots, alveolar bone levels, root abscesses, retained roots, tooth resorption lesions in cats, and the degree of periodontal involvement around each tooth. These findings often change the plan for a cleaning appointment significantly. Teeth that appear acceptable on the surface may have severe root or bone involvement that is only visible on X-ray. Harewood Pet Hospital uses dental radiography as a standard part of every dental cleaning procedure, not as an optional add-on, because complete information supports better outcomes for your pet's oral health.
Dental Extractions in Nanaimo
When a tooth has advanced periodontal disease, a root abscess, a fracture that extends below the gumline, or structural compromise that cannot be managed with cleaning alone, extraction is often the most appropriate option. Dental extractions at Harewood Pet Hospital are performed under general anaesthesia with local nerve blocks applied for additional pain management during and after the procedure. The surrounding bone and soft tissue are handled with care, and the site is sutured where appropriate to support healing. Many pet owners are surprised to find that their dogs and cats recover quickly from dental extractions, returning to normal eating habits within a short period. A mouth free from painful, infected, or structurally compromised teeth is reliably an improvement in a pet's overall comfort and quality of life.
Home Dental Care in Nanaimo
Professional cleanings are most effective when supported by consistent home dental care between visits. Toothbrushing is the most effective preventive measure available to pet owners and is significantly more beneficial than water additives or dental chews alone. The Harewood Pet Hospital team can demonstrate how to introduce toothbrushing gradually and in a calm, positive way that most pets can learn to accept. Starting slowly, using pet-formulated toothpaste, and pairing the process with rewards the pet values makes home dental care manageable for most dogs and cats. For pets who do not tolerate brushing, veterinary-formulated dental chews and water additives can provide supplemental benefit. Your veterinarian will advise you on the most realistic and effective home care plan for your individual pet at your next dental or wellness appointment.
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Yes. A professional dental cleaning under general anaesthesia allows thorough, safe access to every tooth surface, including the areas below the gumline where periodontal disease begins. Awake cleanings do not allow full evaluation or cleaning of subgingival surfaces. Anaesthesia also allows dental X-rays to be taken, which reveal root and bone conditions not visible during a visual exam. Pre-anaesthetic blood work and examination are completed before every procedure at Harewood Pet Hospital.
Pets are very good at hiding discomfort, so dental disease is often further advanced than expected by the time visible signs appear. Signs that may indicate a dental concern include bad breath, visible tartar or discolouration on the teeth, drooling, reluctance to chew hard food or toys, pawing at the face, or a change in eating habits. A dental exam at Harewood Pet Hospital is the most reliable way to assess your pet’s oral health accurately.
Cleaning frequency depends on your pet’s individual dental health, breed, age, and home care routine. Some pets benefit from annual cleanings, while others may need them less frequently. Smaller breeds tend to develop dental disease more quickly due to crowded dentition. Your veterinarian will assess your pet’s oral health at every wellness exam and advise you on the appropriate interval for professional cleaning based on what they observe.
A dental exam is a visual assessment of the teeth, gums, and oral structures performed during a wellness visit while the pet is awake. It provides an overview of oral health and identifies concerns worth monitoring or addressing. A dental cleaning is a separate procedure performed under general anaesthesia that includes scaling, polishing, dental X-rays, and a thorough tooth-by-tooth assessment that is not possible during an awake exam.
Periodontal disease and dental infections can affect more than just the mouth. Oral bacteria entering the bloodstream over time can be associated with changes in heart, kidney, and liver health, though the relationship is complex. This is one of several reasons veterinarians recommend addressing dental disease proactively rather than waiting until a pet is in obvious pain. Regular dental care is considered an important component of long-term whole-body health for dogs and cats.
Book your dog or cat’s dental exam or cleaning at Harewood Pet Hospital in Nanaimo. Dr. Mann takes a thorough, honest approach to every dental assessment and procedure. Call (250) 268-3133, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.