Pet Dental Care in Fair Oaks
Did you know your pets need regular dental care, too? Gentle, Professional Veterinary Dentistry for Fair Oaks, Citrus Heights, and surrounding communities.
Healthy Mouth, Healthy Pet
At Fair Oaks Pet Hospital, we believe that dental care is more than just fresh breath—it's an essential part of your pet’s overall health. Regular dog teeth cleaning and cat dental care help prevent pain, infection, and disease, while improving your pet’s quality of life and longevity.
Why Pet Dental Health Matters
Dental disease is one of the most common medical conditions in pets, and it often goes unnoticed. Over time, plaque and tartar buildup can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, and even infections that affect the heart, liver, and kidneys.
Common dental issues we treat include:
• Bad breath
• Red or bleeding gums
• Loose or broken teeth
• Oral tumors or growths
• Swelling in the face or jaw
• Difficulty eating or chewing
• Tooth root abscesses
• Stomatitis
If your pet is showing any of these signs, it’s time to schedule a veterinary dental exam.
What’s Included in a Professional Dental Cleaning
Our veterinary dental services are designed to be thorough, safe, and tailored to each pet’s needs. Every dental procedure includes:
Comprehensive oral exam under anesthesia
Full-mouth dental x-rays to detect hidden problems
Charting of all teeth to assess disease and damage under the gingiva
Ultrasonic scaling to remove tartar above and below the gumline
Polishing to smooth tooth surfaces and slow plaque buildup
Tooth extractions, when necessary, performed with care and pain management
Follow-up care, we provide resources to help you slow down dental disease in the future. If extractions are performed, we include a complimentary recheck visit to ensure proper healing.
Transparent Communication, From Start to Finish
From the initial consult to post-procedure care, we keep you informed every step of the way. You'll know what to expect, what’s being done, and what it will cost—no surprises. We believe that strong communication is key to trusted veterinary care and long-term pet health.
Your pet’s safety and comfort are our top priorities during every dental procedure. Every patient receives:
Pre-anesthetic bloodwork to assess internal health
Customized anesthesia protocols based on your pet’s size, breed, and medical history
Advanced monitoring with state-of-the-art equipment throughout the procedure
Special protocols for brachycephalic breeds (like bulldogs and pugs) to reduce anesthesia risks
Safe Anesthesia You Can Trust
Preventative Dental Care at Home
Good dental health starts at home. Regular teeth brushing, dental chews, and oral rinses can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup between cleanings. For best results, use products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)—their full list is available at vohc.org.
Not sure where to start? We’re happy to recommend safe, effective options tailored to your pet.

Book a Dental Exam Today
Whether your pet is due for a routine cleaning, or you're concerned about dog bad breath or cat tooth pain, we’re here to help. Our team is experienced, gentle, and dedicated to delivering safe, high-quality pet dental care you can count on.
Protect your pet’s health—schedule a dental exam today.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Dental health is vital because untreated gum disease and tooth decay can lead to pain, tooth loss, bad breath, and infections that may spread to the heart, liver, and kidneys. Regular dental care extends both quality and length of life for pets.
-
The hospital offers professional cleanings, digital dental X-rays, tooth extractions, and periodontal treatments. The veterinary team also provides home care guidance such as brushing and dental chews.
-
Most dogs and cats benefit from professional dental cleanings once a year. Pets with existing dental disease or small breeds prone to plaque buildup may need more frequent care.
-
Common symptoms include bad breath, red or bleeding gums, drooling, pawing at the mouth, difficulty chewing, and visible tartar. Pets may also become irritable due to pain.
-
Yes. General anesthesia allows veterinarians to clean below the gumline, take dental X-rays, and safely extract damaged teeth. Anesthesia ensures a thorough cleaning while keeping pets comfortable and stress-free.
-
Yes. Many dental problems such as root infections, abscesses, and fractures occur below the gumline where they cannot be seen during a visual exam. Dental X-rays provide a complete picture of oral health.
-
A dental procedure at Fair Oaks Pet Hospital typically costs around $780 for dogs and $680 for cats. Costs vary depending on the pet’s condition and whether extractions or additional treatments are required.
-
Daily tooth brushing with pet-safe toothpaste, dental chews, water additives, and special dental diets can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup between professional cleanings.
-
The pet is placed under anesthesia, a full oral exam and X-rays are performed, plaque and tartar are removed above and below the gumline, and any diseased teeth are extracted. The mouth is polished for long-term protection.
-
If left untreated, dental disease can cause chronic pain, tooth loss, systemic infections, heart disease, kidney disease, and shortened lifespan. Preventive dental care is one of the most important steps in overall pet wellness.