Dental care that protects the whole pet.
Most dental disease hides below the gumline. We treat it properly — full-mouth X-rays, a thorough cleaning, and anesthesia that keeps your pet safe and still.
Why dental care matters
Dental disease is the most common health condition in adult dogs and cats — by age three, most pets already show early signs of periodontal disease. And it does not stay in the mouth. In a study of more than 60,000 dogs, those with advanced periodontal disease were about six times as likely to develop endocarditis, a serious infection of the heart valves. A separate study of over 160,000 dogs found periodontal disease raised the risk of chronic kidney disease by up to 2.7 times. Caring for your pet’s teeth protects far more than their smile.
Sources: Glickman et al., J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. (2009); Glickman et al., Preventive Veterinary Medicine (2011); AVMA.
What a dental visit includes
A Paw Priority dental is a complete procedure, not a quick scrape. Here is what is included every time.
Oral exam & charting
A tooth-by-tooth assessment of every surface, with findings charted so we can track changes visit to visit.
Full-mouth dental X-rays
Up to two-thirds of each tooth sits below the gumline. Radiographs reveal disease a visual exam simply cannot.
Scaling & polishing
Ultrasonic scaling clears plaque and tartar above and below the gumline, followed by a polish to smooth the enamel.
Tooth extractions
When a tooth is beyond saving, we remove it cleanly with a local nerve block and close the site to heal comfortably.
Periodontal treatment
For early gum disease and pockets, targeted treatment to slow progression and save the teeth we can.
Pain management & recovery
Local blocks during the procedure and a tailored plan afterward, so your pet wakes up comfortable.
What we refer out
Some cases call for a board-certified veterinary dentist. When yours does, we will tell you plainly and help coordinate the referral.
- Root canals and other endodontic therapy
- Advanced oral surgery and jaw-fracture repair
- Orthodontic correction
- Complex oral tumors needing a specialist
A typical dental day
Dentals are done under general anesthesia, so your pet spends the day with us. Here is how it goes.
Drop-off & bloodwork
No food after midnight the night before. Drop-off is around 9 a.m., when we run pre-anesthetic bloodwork and place an IV catheter.
Anesthesia & monitoring
Your pet is placed under general anesthesia with a dedicated technician monitoring vitals the entire time.
X-rays, cleaning & treatment
Full-mouth radiographs, a complete cleaning, and any extractions or periodontal treatment needed that day.
Recovery & pickup
Your pet recovers under watch. We call with an update, then send you home with clear aftercare instructions.
Talk through your pet’s dental care with Dr. Ameis
Whether your pet is due for a cleaning or you have noticed bad breath, a loose tooth, or trouble eating — book a visit and we will take a look.
Common questions about dental cleanings
Anesthesia, x-rays, cost, and how often. Straight answers from Dr. Ameis.
How much does a dog dental cleaning cost at Paw Priority?
Our dental cleanings start at approximately $700 and include full-mouth digital x-rays, ultrasonic scaling above and below the gumline, polishing, and monitored general anesthesia. Extractions typically add $75 to $250 per tooth depending on complexity.
Is anesthesia safe for my dog during a dental cleaning?
Modern veterinary anesthesia is very safe for healthy pets. We run pre-anesthetic bloodwork, monitor blood pressure, oxygen saturation, ECG, and body temperature throughout the procedure, and use IV fluid support. For most healthy patients, the risk is comparable to routine human anesthesia.
Do you take dental x-rays?
Yes, every dental cleaning at Paw Priority includes full-mouth digital dental radiographs. About 60% of dental disease sits below the gumline and cannot be seen or felt without imaging. Skipping x-rays means missing the majority of the problem.
How often does my dog need a dental cleaning?
Most dogs need their first dental cleaning between age 2 and 4, and every 1 to 3 years after that. Small breeds and brachycephalic breeds (French bulldogs, pugs, Cavaliers) typically need them more often. We tell you what your pet actually needs based on their exam.
Can you do dental cleanings without anesthesia?
No, and no reputable veterinary clinic does. Anesthesia-free “dental cleanings” only address the visible cosmetic tartar on the outer surfaces of the teeth. They cannot address subgingival disease, cannot take x-rays, cannot address extractions, and can actually cause harm. The American Veterinary Dental College formally opposes them.
What if my dog needs teeth extracted?
Extractions are common, especially in small breeds and older pets. If we find loose, fractured, or infected teeth during the cleaning, we call you before extracting anything, explain what we found, and confirm the plan. Most extractions add $75 to $250 per tooth.
Why do dental cleanings vary so much in price across LA?
Some clinics quote $400 by cutting x-rays, IV fluids, monitoring, or extraction expertise. Others charge $2,400 due to corporate overhead. We wrote a full breakdown on the dog dental cost article.