Advanced Dentistry & Oral Health for Dogs and Cats
Dental disease is one of the most common – and most painful – health conditions affecting pets. Because dogs and cats instinctively hide oral discomfort, infections, and inflammation often progress silently, damaging teeth and gums and, in some cases, impacting organs and overall health. At River Road Animal Hospital, dental care is a core part of our commitment to your pet’s well-being. All three of our doctors have advanced dental training, and our team provides thorough dental therapy every day with excellent outcomes. Using digital dental radiography, specialized equipment, and techniques, we’re able to diagnose and treat dental disease accurately and early. From professional cleanings to extractions and treatment of painful infections, our goal is always the same: to restore comfort, protect long-term health, and help your pet feel better – not just today, but for years to come. Healthy mouths support healthier lives – and more comfortable, happier times with the pets you love.
Comprehensive Pet Dental Exams & Cleanings
Each dental appointment includes a complete oral exam and professional cleaning performed under safe anesthesia, with a dedicated assistant monitoring every vital sign. This allows us to reach under the gumline - where many problems hide - and remove tartar and bacteria that brushing can’t reach.
Our dental exams include:
- Full-mouth dental X-rays for every patient
- Scaling and polishing above and below the gumline
- Thorough inspection of gums, teeth, and oral tissues
- Detailed take-home report with care recommendations
Preventive cleanings like these help stop disease before it starts - and keep your pet’s mouth fresh and pain-free.
Preventive Care for Pets You Love - Because They Deserve a Lifetime of Health
Progressive Veterinary Care, Longer Visits, and Local Advanced Services in Southport, NC
Advanced Veterinary Dentistry & Oral Surgery
When we discover disease or damage, our team is equipped for safe, precise corrective care right here in our hospital. From extractions to bone grafting, every procedure is handled with compassion and advanced pain control to keep your pet comfortable through recovery.
Our specialized dental services include:
- Tooth extractions and PERIOVIVE therapy
- Periodontal treatment and oral surgery
- Local and general anesthesia with continuous monitoring
- Tailored pain management and post-treatment support
Why Dentistry Matters Beyond the Mouth
Dental disease doesn’t stop at the gums.
Bacteria from infected teeth and gums can enter the bloodstream and contribute to inflammation throughout the body, affecting:
- The heart – increased risk of inflammation and cardiac strain
- The kidneys – added stress on already sensitive organs
- The liver – chronic inflammation and bacterial exposure
- Overall comfort – pain that impacts eating, behavior, and energy
Know the Signs:
Dental Care at Home
What happens between visits matters most. We’ll guide you through simple at-home steps - like brushing, dental chews, and diet adjustments - to help maintain your pet’s oral health long-term.
We make it easy for you to:
- Choose the right dental tools and treats
- Build brushing into your routine
- Recognize early warning signs like bad breath, gingivitis and tartar
A few minutes of prevention at home can save your pet from pain and costly procedures later.
Anesthesia Reassurance
Your Pet’s Safety Comes First Dental procedures are performed under carefully tailored anesthesia, with continuous monitoring and appropriate pain management to ensure your pet’s comfort and safety from start to finish.
How Our Dental Process Works
1. Schedule a Dental Exam
Call or text to book your pet’s comprehensive oral health visit.
2. Receive a Complete Dental Assessment
We’ll perform full-mouth X-rays, professional cleaning, and discuss any treatment recommendations.
3. Maintain Healthy Teeth Year-Round
Follow our personalized at-home care plan and schedule regular checkups for lasting results.
Dental Care for Cats
Cats are especially good at hiding dental pain. In fact, dental disease is one of the most common - and most underdiagnosed - health issues in cats.
Subtle signs like changes in food preferences, decreased grooming, or irritability may be signs of oral discomfort. Regular dental evaluations and timely treatment can dramatically improve comfort, appetite, and quality of life for feline patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most pets need professional dental cleaning once a year. Some breeds – especially small dogs and cats – may need them every six months. Our veterinarians in Southport, NC, can help determine the right schedule based on your pet’s needs.
More than half of each tooth lies below the gumline, where disease cannot be seen during a visual exam alone. Digital dental X-rays allow us to identify hidden infections, bone loss, fractures, and painful conditions early, leading to more accurate treatment and better outcomes.
Extractions are recommended only when a tooth is damaged, infected, or causing pain that cannot be safely resolved. Our goal is always to preserve healthy teeth whenever possible. When extractions are necessary, they are performed with advanced techniques and appropriate pain management to ensure a smooth recovery.
Most pets recover quickly and comfortably. Many feel noticeably better within days—often more energetic, eating better, and showing improved mood once chronic oral pain is relieved. We provide detailed aftercare instructions and are always available if you have questions during recovery.