Dentistry

Professional pet dental care at your home.
A chocolate Labrador retriever stands on green grass, playing tug-of-war with a thick rope and looking up at the camera—always ready for playtime or a quick visit to the vet near me.

The Story of Indigo

Indigo, a sweet and stoic middle-aged dog, had seen several veterinarians before her owner found us. Her mom had heard the same thing each time: Indigo needed a dental procedure. But the thought of anesthesia — and especially tooth extractions — felt too scary. Indigo was still eating, after all. Was it really that bad?

When we first met Indigo, we took time — not just to examine her mouth, but to truly listen to her owner’s fears. What we saw confirmed what others had suspected: years of plaque and tartar had created deep pockets of infection. Her gums were inflamed, and the infection was beginning to erode the bone of her jaw. And yet, Indigo never complained. She wagged her tail, ate her meals, and carried on quietly — as so many pets do — while living with significant pain.

We gently walked her owner through the exam findings, step by step. We agreed that we would take things stepwise and do everything we could to save the teeth worth saving. When we performed her dental x-rays under anesthesia, we showed Indigo’s mom right there exactly the amount of disease affecting each tooth. There was no rush. No pressure. Just clarity, compassion, and trust built over time.

Together, we created a treatment plan. Indigo underwent a safe, anesthetized dental procedure in our hospital, including the removal of several diseased teeth. One week later, at her follow-up visit, her owner met us at the door beaming.

“She’s like a puppy again,” she said. Indigo was eating with joy, running, playing — even smiling. Her breath was fresh, and her eyes were brighter.

Indigo’s case wasn’t the first time we’d heard an owner say their pet appeared young, playful, and happy again after oral surgery — in fact, it’s so common that we often bring it up during dental consultations. Many families are surprised to learn that their beloved pets have been living with significant pain. But dogs and cats are experts at adapting to chronic discomfort; they don’t always show us in ways we expect. When we are able to relieve that hidden pain — the kind they’ve quietly learned to live with — the transformation is profound. The joy, the energy, the light that returns to them is unmistakable.

This is the kind of transformation that’s possible when dentistry is done thoughtfully, with transparency and empathy. At Iris Veterinary Care, we believe that caring for your pet’s mouth isn’t just about clean teeth — it’s about giving them back their comfort, vitality, and joy.

Did you know that pets need the same oral care as people, including daily toothbrushing and routine professional cleanings? Unfortunately, many pets suffer from poor oral health, which can lead to pain, infection, and even systemic problems affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys. Proper dental care helps prevent plaque and tartar buildup, keeps your pet’s teeth and gums healthy, and improves their quality of life. A healthy mouth for A Healthy Life

Periodontal disease affects all pets by age 3, impacting the gums, bones, and other tooth-supporting structures. In toy breed dogs significant dental disease is often seen by 1 year of age. It begins when sticky plaque coats the teeth and hardens into tartar, allowing bacteria to accumulate and cause gum inflammation (gingivitis). If left untreated, periodontal disease progresses, leading to pain, tooth loss, and difficulty eating or playing. Additionally, bacteria from infected gum tissue can enter the bloodstream, affecting important organs—including the heart and kidneys. Periodontal Disease Close-up of an animal’s mouth showing severe dental disease, with exposed gums, tartar buildup, missing teeth, and inflamed tissue. A gloved hand from a vet is visible holding the mouth open. A close-up of a dog's mouth during a mobile veterinarian dental procedure shows severe tartar buildup on the teeth, inflamed gums, and a breathing tube placed by a gloved hand.

Dental care designed for comfort and safety

A close-up of a person's hands, like those of a veterinarian, gently opening a dog's mouth, showing the dog's clean white teeth and gums against a light blue background.

Dental Examinations

Regular dental exams help detect and address dental problems before they become serious. During every exam, our veterinary team thoroughly inspects your pet’s teeth and gums, looking for:

  • Plaque and tartar buildup
  • Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis)
  • Broken, loose, or missing teeth
  • Oral infections or tumors

We always perform dental exams during your pet’s routine wellness visit, ensuring early detection of potential issues—all without requiring a clinic trip.

A cat lies on a veterinary exam table with an oxygen mask on its face while a mobile veterinarian in gloves performs a procedure using medical equipment.

Dental X-Rays

Most tooth problems in dogs and cats occur below the gum line, where they are invisible to the naked eye. Dental X-rays provide detailed images of each tooth’s structure, including the root, helping us detect:

  • Tooth root abscesses
  • Bone loss
  • Tooth resorption
  • Unerupted teeth

Our veterinary team performs dental X-rays each time your pet is anesthetized for a dental cleaning or oral surgery, ensuring we accurately diagnose and treat dental conditions.

A close-up of a person's hand gently lifting a cat's upper lip to reveal the cat's teeth and gums, as a vet examines the animal's mouth in detail.

Dental Cleanings

During a professional dental cleaning, our trained team:

  • Takes dental X-rays to assess hidden dental disease
  • Performs a comprehensive oral exam to evaluate dental and gum health
  • Removes plaque and tartar buildup above and below the gum line
  • Polishes your pet’s teeth to smooth enamel and reduce future plaque buildup

While dental cleanings can treat existing dental issues, they are most effective as a preventive measure to stop periodontal disease before it starts. We recommend regular cleanings based on each pet’s individual needs.

Close-up of a dog's mouth, showing its slightly open jaws, pink tongue, and white teeth. Perfect for a mobile veterinarian or anyone searching "vet near me" to check the pet’s dental health. The fur is light and the nose partially visible at the top.

Dental Surgery

Some dental problems require surgical intervention to remove diseased or damaged teeth. Our veterinary team is experienced in performing a variety of dental surgeries, including those for oral tumors and severe dental disease.

Three people are sitting in a row, each holding a pet in their lap as they wait for the mobile vet. The focus is on a large, fluffy orange cat being petted, while a black-and-white cat and a small dog rest with the other two.

Dental Anesthesia

Anesthesia is essential for dental procedures, ensuring that your pet remains still and pain-free during their treatment. While anesthesia-free dentistry may seem appealing, it does not allow for a thorough cleaning, proper X-rays, or necessary treatments—and it can cause extreme stress for your pet. Anesthesia-free dentistry is never an appropriate choice for your pet’s dental care.

We take every precaution to ensure safe anesthesia, including:

  • Pre-anesthetic exams, bloodwork, and ECGs to assess overall health
  • Tailored anesthesia protocols for each pet’s specific needs
  • Continuous monitoring throughout the procedure and through recovery

At-Home Dental Care

Daily at-home toothbrushing is the most effective way to maintain your pet’s oral health between professional cleanings. Using a pet-safe toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush helps:

  • Remove plaque buildup
  • Reduce harmful bacteria
  • Keep your pet’s breath fresh

Our mobile veterinary team can:

  • Demonstrate proper toothbrushing techniques
  • Offer tips to help pets adjust to brushing
  • Recommend safe, effective dental products for pets who resist brushing