Healthy teeth aren’t just about a brighter smile; they’re a window into your pet’s overall health. At Magruder Tabb Animal Clinic, we take pet dentistry seriously because untreated dental disease can cause far more than bad breath. Our Yorktown veterinary team provides thorough cleanings, dental X-rays, and extractions when needed, all with your pet’s safety and comfort at the forefront. By investing in your cat or dog’s oral health, you’re helping them live a happier, pain-free life.
Most dogs and cats develop dental disease by age three, and without treatment, plaque and tartar can lead to painful gum infections, tooth loss, and even serious health issues when bacteria enter the bloodstream. These complications can impact vital organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys—causing discomfort and preventable suffering for your pet.
Warning signs such as bad breath, tartar buildup, red or bleeding gums, loose teeth, or changes in eating habits signal that it’s time for a dental checkup. The good news is that proactive care—annual veterinary cleanings combined with consistent at-home dental hygiene—can significantly reduce these risks and keep your pet healthier overall.
Our dental cleanings go far beyond what can be achieved with brushing at home. Using specialized tools under safe anesthesia, we clean above and below the gumline to remove plaque and tartar where bacteria thrive. We finish with polishing to smooth enamel and reduce future buildup.
Not all dental issues are visible to the eye. Full-mouth digital X-rays let us detect problems like fractured roots, abscesses, or bone loss before they cause severe pain. This technology ensures we have the complete picture of your pet’s oral health.
When a tooth is too damaged or diseased to save, extraction may be the best option. Our team performs extractions with precision and strong pain control measures, ensuring your pet recovers quickly and comfortably. Many pets eat, play, and act more energetic once painful teeth are removed.
Most pets benefit from yearly cleanings, but some—especially small breeds or pets with crowded teeth—may need them more often.
Often, yes. While some odor is normal, persistent bad breath is usually a sign of infection, tartar buildup, or gum disease.
Anesthesia allows us to clean beneath the gumline safely, where most dental disease occurs. It also keeps your pet still, calm, and pain-free during the procedure.
We use local anesthesia and prescribe post-op pain relief. Most pets feel much more comfortable after diseased teeth are removed.
Yes. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and damage organs, which is why preventive dental care is so important for long-term health.
