Veterinary Dentistry in Paoli

We all know that good oral health is necessary for good overall health. If only our pets would learn to brush and floss their own teeth! Unfortunately, periodontal disease affects nearly all dogs and cats by the age of 3 years. It can be difficult to tell if your four-legged friend’s oral hygiene is where it should be—especially if you’re not sure what to look for. To learn more check out our blog post, February is Dental Health Month.

Why Dental Care Is So Important For Pets

Dental care is very important for both humans and pets. Good dental care is a type of preventative medicine—it keeps your pet from developing problematic issues, such as periodontal diseases that are caused by plaque and bacteria. Calcified plaque is known as tartar, which can cause mouth infections that transform into even worse diseases. Periodontal diseases will decay the teeth and destroy the root and gums.

Broken teeth are a serious issue for pets, and can happen simply from chewing on hard toys or bones. Broken teeth will expose nerves, which is painful and can lead to problems with eating and playing. Exposed nerves will also become infected with time and the tooth will have to be removed.

Signs Your Pet Needs Dental Care

There are seven signs that your pet needs dental care, and some are easier to spot than others. Proactive pet owners can improve their pet’s quality of life (and save their teeth!) by keeping a lookout for these oral health changes:

Bad Breath
We don’t all love doggy breath, but there’s a difference between that regular musky wet smell and seriously bad breath, which indicates dental issues.

Buildup On Teeth
Plaque and tartar buildup show up as yellow or brown stains on your pet’s teeth, leading to tooth decay and gum disease when left untreated, which can cause even more serious health issues.

Mouth Sensitivity
Your pet may avoid having their mouth or face handled, or show behavioral changes and sensitivities to having their muzzle touched. This could be a sign of dental pain.

Pawing At The Mouth
This can be a sign of dental discomfort, especially if there is constant pawing at the mouth or chewing on paws.

Decreased Appetite
This can be a sign of an eating difficulty, where troublesome tooth pain makes it challenging to eat or swallow.

Swollen Gums
Inflamed or bleeding gums are a sign of immediate dental attention. Please contact your vet as soon as possible.

Loose/Missing Teeth
If your pet’s teeth are loose, or you notice a sudden missing tooth, this is often caused by advanced dental problems that require immediate veterinary attention.

Our Veterinary Dentistry Services

Paoli Vetcare offers a range of dental services, including dental X-rays and tooth extractions, in addition to our routine dental cleanings. Our clinic’s expertise, technology, and commitment to comprehensive pet oral care set us apart, and are why we are the most respected veterinary dentistry service in the region.

Routine Dental Cleanings

Professional veterinary dental cleanings prevent plaque buildup and dental disease. Veterinarians perform these cleanings while your pet is under anesthesia, to ensure a thorough and safe procedure that’s easy on your furry friend.

Digital Dental X-rays

Digital X-rays help detect hidden issues below the gumline, such as root infections and bone loss, and support accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Tooth Extractions

Tooth extractions are performed when a tooth is too damaged to be saved. Your pet’s veterinarian will perform surgical extractions while prioritizing pain management and ensuring a safe recovery, to minimize the risk of complications.

Oral Surgery

Pet oral surgeries include tooth extractions, oral tumor removals, jaw fracture repair, periodontal surgery, root canal treatment, Oronasal Fistula repair, Palatal Defect repair, Salivary Gland surgery, and Oral Cancer Surgery. Our clinic’s expertise is in handling complex dental cases safely.

Treatment of Periodontal Disease

Advanced periodontal care may include deep cleaning and ongoing oral maintenance to restore gum health and prevent further risks and complications.

Steps for treating periodontal disease include scaling and polishing teeth under anesthesia. X-rays enable veterinarians to assess the health conditions of each tooth and the surrounding bone. Fluoride treatment and sealants are applied to strengthen tooth enamel and protect against bacterial attachment.

Your veterinarian may recommend continued at-home treatments to ensure your pet’s oral health, including regular brushings, antibiotics, and dental chews.

Dental Evaluations

Thorough dental evaluations are performed during checkups or when symptoms appear, helping to catch and address issues early before they worsen. These appointments are crucial for overall health, and are a part of Paoli Vetcare’s routine veterinary care. Dental exams include an investigation of your pet’s mouth, including the teeth and gums, and are performed annually (or more often, if recommended).

Our Dental Technology & Safety Protocols

Paoli Vetcare utilizes advanced equipment and safety measures during all dental procedures.

Digital X-rays, anesthesia monitoring, and strict sterilization protocols allow us to care for your pet before and after dental surgery, improving recovery and eliminating risk factors. These technologies enhance precision, comfort, and patient safety during every dental visit.

Case Studies: Healthier Pets Through Expert Dental Care

Share 2–3 brief case studies highlighting real patient outcomes, including the pet’s condition, the dental treatment provided, and the positive results. Focus on building trust by demonstrating your team’s expertise and the impact of timely veterinary dental care.

Schedule Your Dental Cleaning With Paoli Vetcare

It’s important to your pet’s overall health that they receive regular dental cleanings from their trusted veterinarian. Veterinary dental cleanings are much more involved than a simple brush, and they sometimes include important surgeries, as well as plaque and tartar removal. Regular dental cleanings will prevent diseases and let your veterinarian catch any issues with your pet’s teeth that you might have overlooked.

Wellness care is necessary for all animals, and your veterinarian is trained to examine your pet in a way that you are not. Your Paoli Vetcare doctor checks everything from teeth to hygiene to exercise to nutrition, and compares their health today to their health yesterday to properly figure out how their health might be tomorrow. By getting these regular examinations, your pets will be less likely to have emergencies down the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should my pet have a dental cleaning?

Paoli Vetcare recommends annual dental cleanings, scheduled with your pet’s regular checkup. In certain circumstances, based on your pet’s health, age, and history, we may recommend more frequent dental cleanings.

Is anesthesia necessary for dental cleanings?

Anesthesia allows dental cleanings to be performed safely, for both your pet and the veterinarian.

What are the signs that my pet has dental issues?

Bad Breath, Buildup On Teeth, Mouth Sensitivity, Pawing At The Mouth, Decreased Appetite, Swollen Gums, and Loose/Missing Teeth are all signs that your pet has dental health issues.

Can I brush my pet’s teeth at home?

You can! Our veterinary assistants can show you how to brush your pet’s teeth safely and easily at home.

Trusted by Pet Owners Across Paoli

“Have been going to Paoli Vet for about a year now with our 1-year-old miniature dachshund.

The staff is always so friendly, and you can tell they love animals and care for them deeply. They’re happy to help schedule appointments and answer questions you have. They’ve been very responsive to all forms of communication (email, text, calls) — and call back when they say they’ll call back!

Dr. Rowan performed the spay for our little girl, and he did such a fantastic job. It has been a couple of months, and she doesn’t even have a scar from the procedure. He answers all questions in an efficient, honest, and clear way.

Photo added for visibility! Chai thanks the PV team for all the great care!”
Meighan Long

Dr. Jay Rowan and Dr. Erin Downes have been running Paoli Vetcare for decades, serving thousands of pets for happy pet owners in the greater Paoli area and along the Philadelphia Main Line. We average high ratings, and we are proud of our local recognition as the best veterinary service in the region.

Local pet owners consistently choose Paoli Vetcare for veterinary dentistry because of our commitment to safety, care, and pet health. Because every pet deserves a life without fear, anxiety, and stress — Paoli Vetcare staff is Fear Free® Certified! Fear Free methods and protocols lead to the reduction or removal of anxiety triggers, which creates an experience that is rewarding and safer for all involved, including pets, their owners, and veterinary health care teams.

Featured In

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Certifications, Accreditations & Associations

AAHA-accredited vet practices like Paoli Vetcare are at the heart of better care for pets and their people. We hold ourselves to a higher standard (up to 900 higher standards, in fact). Pets are our passion, and keeping them healthy is our number-one priority. We strive to deliver excellent care for pets—because pets deserve nothing less.

Fear Free® Vet Makes for Happy Pets, Happy People
Fear Free vet techniques help us acclimate pets to exams, nail trims, and other procedures using minimal restraint — improving both client and patient happiness!

What Our Customers Say

Meet Our Team of Vets for Paoli

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