Why pet dental care matters

Up to 80% of dogs and cats over 3 years old suffer from dental disease. Left untreated, it causes pain, tooth loss, and even heart, kidney or liver disease as bacteria enter the bloodstream.

  • Bad breath is not normal — it’s a sign of dental disease
  • Pets hide pain, so problems often go unnoticed
  • Preventive dental care improves comfort and lifespan
  • Routine check-ups avoid costly advanced treatment later

Common signs of dental disease

  • Bad breath (halitosis)
  • Yellow or brown tartar build-up
  • Red, swollen or bleeding gums
  • Loose, broken or missing teeth
  • Pawing at mouth, reluctance to eat, dropping food
  • Swelling under eyes or along the jaw

If you notice these signs, book a dental consultation today.

Our dental services

  • Scale & polish: ultrasonic cleaning under anaesthetic to remove tartar
  • Extractions: safe removal of damaged or infected teeth
  • Dental X-rays: standard in our procedures (dogs, cats)
  • Puppy & kitten checks: identify retained baby teeth or malocclusion early
  • Oral surgery: advanced extractions, gingival surgery, maxillofacial cases

All procedures are performed under safe modern anaesthesia with comprehensive pain control and close monitoring.

Advanced digital dental X-rays

Most pet dental disease hides below the gumline. Our digital dental X-rays mean:

  • We don’t miss hidden problems like root abscesses or bone loss
  • Extractions are safer and more precise
  • Your pet gets a complete treatment plan, not guesswork

Learn more: Dog Dental X-Rays · Cat Dental X-Rays

Costs & insurance

We always provide a written estimate before any dental procedure. Costs vary depending on whether your pet needs a simple scale & polish or more extensive treatment with extractions and X-rays.

Insurance: Some policies cover dental disease if teeth are regularly checked and problems are treated promptly. Illness- or injury-related dental problems are often covered.

Why choose Your Family Vets?

  • On-site digital dental X-rays — standard, not optional
  • Advanced surgical expertise for complex oral procedures
  • Gentle anaesthesia protocols tailored to each patient
  • Independent, family-run practice — continuity of care matters

Case example: Cat with resorptive lesions

A cat presented with only mild tartar visible. Dental X-rays revealed multiple resorptive lesions below the gumline — extremely painful but invisible without imaging. Extractions were performed, and the cat returned to eating happily within days.

Dentistry FAQs

Does my pet need anaesthetic for a dental?

Yes. Safe general anaesthesia is essential for proper cleaning, X-rays, and extractions — and ensures your pet is pain-free and stress-free.

How often should pets have their teeth checked?

At least once a year during annual health checks. Some breeds prone to dental disease may need more frequent monitoring.

Is “scale and polish without anaesthetic” safe?

No. Non-anaesthetic dentistry is ineffective and unsafe. It only removes surface tartar and can damage teeth while missing hidden disease.

Will insurance cover dental care?

Some policies cover dental disease if pets have regular check-ups and problems are treated promptly. Always check your policy terms.

What aftercare is needed?

We’ll provide tailored home care advice — including brushing, special diets, and follow-up checks — to keep teeth healthy long-term.

Do you treat rabbits and small pets?

Yes. We also provide dentistry for rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small mammals, including molar burring and extractions.

Book your pet’s dental check

Call 01423 900770 or book online. Healthy teeth mean a happier, healthier pet.