Veterinary Dentistry in San Francisco
Healthy teeth mean a healthier pet. At SF Vet Hospital, we offer professional veterinary dentistry services to help your dog or cat live more comfortably and avoid the long-term risks of dental disease. Our thorough exams and cleanings keep your pet’s mouth clean, pain-free, and smiling bright.
Why Dental Care Matters for Pets
Just like humans, pets need regular dental care to prevent plaque buildup, gum disease, and oral pain. But unlike us, pets can’t tell us when something’s wrong. That’s why routine dental checkups and professional cleanings are essential to your pet’s overall health.
Untreated dental disease can lead to serious complications, including:
- Tooth loss
- Gum infections
- Painful abscesses
- Heart, kidney, and liver problems
Our veterinary team uses advanced diagnostic tools, gentle techniques, and anesthetic monitoring to ensure every procedure is safe and stress-free.
Dog Dental Cleaning & Oral Health
“Doggy breath” isn’t normal — it’s often the first sign of gingivitis or periodontal disease. At SF Vet Hospital, we recommend annual or semi-annual dental exams for dogs, especially as they age. During a dog dental cleaning, we:
- Perform pre-anesthetic bloodwork to ensure safety
- Use ultrasonic scaling to remove tartar and plaque
- Examine teeth and gums for damage or decay
- Take dental X-rays to detect problems below the gum line
- Polish teeth to prevent future buildup
- Extract any severely diseased or painful teeth if necessary
At-home care is important too! Ask us about dog toothbrushes, VOHC-approved chews, and other ways to support dental hygiene at home.
Cat Dental Cleaning & Common Feline Issues
Cats are notoriously stoic, often hiding pain or discomfort. Many cat parents don’t realize their feline friend has a dental issue until it’s advanced. Our cat dental cleanings follow the same safety-focused approach as for dogs and help prevent or treat conditions like:
- Stomatitis
- Tooth resorption
- Gingivitis and periodontitis
- Oral tumors or growths
We recommend brushing your cat’s teeth 3–4 times per week and feeding dental-friendly diets. If you notice bad breath, drooling, or a change in eating habits, it may be time for an exam.
Signs Your Pet May Need Dental Care
Contact us if your pet shows any of the following symptoms:
- Bad breath
- Drooling or difficulty eating
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Loose or missing teeth
- Head shaking or pawing at the mouth
- Behavioral changes like hiding or irritability
Early detection makes all the difference. In many cases, we can treat problems before they become painful or life-threatening.
What to Expect During a Dental Procedure
Before any dental procedure, your pet receives a full physical exam and labwork to check their fitness for anesthesia. During the cleaning, we use a breathing tube and monitoring equipment for safety and precision. After the procedure, you’ll receive detailed at-home care instructions — including medications if needed — and guidance on maintaining oral health between visits.
Compassionate Dentistry for San Francisco Dogs & Cats
At SF Vet Hospital, our dental services are built around safety, comfort, and long-term health. Whether your pet needs a routine cat dental cleaning, an extraction, or treatment for advanced disease, we’re here to help them feel better — one clean tooth at a time.
Preventative Pet Care
Veterinary Diagnostics
Nutritional Counseling
Spay and Neuter