My Vets Irrawang & Thornton

Good dental health is essential for your pet’s overall wellbeing. At My Vets Irrawang & Thornton, we provide professional dog and cat dental care in Raymond Terrace and Thornton, helping prevent pain, infection, and serious health complications.

Dental disease is one of the most common conditions we see in pets. Without treatment, it can lead to chronic pain, tooth loss, and even affect vital organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys.

Regular dental care — both at home and with your veterinarian — helps your pet live a longer, healthier, and happier life.

🩺 Why Pet Dental Care Matters

Dental disease doesn’t just affect your pet’s mouth — it can impact their entire body.

❤️ Health Risks of Dental Disease

Professional dental care significantly reduces the risk of:

• Periodontal (gum) disease
• Tooth decay and painful infections
• Bad breath caused by bacterial buildup
• Tooth loss
• Oral pain affecting eating and behaviour
• Bacteria entering the bloodstream and damaging organs.

Dental disease often develops gradually, and pets are very good at hiding discomfort. By the time signs are obvious, the condition may already be advanced.

👉 Regular dental checks allow us to detect and treat problems early — before they become painful or costly.

🐾 When Should My Pet Have a Dental Check?

We assess your pet’s teeth and gums at every routine consultation, including vaccination visits.

Most pets benefit from their first professional dental clean at 1–2 years of age, depending on:

• Breed
• Diet
• Genetics
• Home dental care

⚠️ Higher-Risk Pets

Some pets need earlier and more frequent dental care, including:

• Small breed dogs
• Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds
• Pets with crowded teeth

🚩 Signs Your Pet May Need Dental Treatment

We may recommend a dental procedure if your pet shows:

• Tartar buildup
• Red, inflamed, or bleeding gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose, fractured, or missing teeth
• Pain when eating or chewing
• Drooling or dropping food

If you’re unsure, our team is always happy to perform a dental check and provide advice.

🏥 Preparing for Your Pet’s Dental Procedure

Once your pet is booked in, we take every step to ensure a safe and stress-free experience.

Before the procedure, we will:

• Confirm your pet is healthy and fit for anaesthesia
• Ensure vaccinations and parasite prevention are up to date
• Perform a thorough pre-anaesthetic examination
• Offer fear-free calming medication for anxious pets (given at home on the morning of the procedure if needed)

Your pet will stay with us for the day and will need a quiet recovery space at home afterwards.

🦷 What Happens During a Dental Procedure?

A professional dental clean (COHAT – Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment) is performed under a full general anaesthetic to allow thorough and pain-free treatment.

Your pet will receive:

• A full physical examination
• Pre-anaesthetic blood testing
• An intravenous (IV) catheter for fluids and medications
• A detailed oral examination and dental charting
• Ultrasonic scaling and polishing (above and below the gumline)
• Dental X-rays to assess tooth roots and bone health

🩺 Advanced Monitoring & Safety

During the procedure, your pet is continuously monitored by an experienced veterinary nurse, including:

• Heart rate
• Respiratory rate
• Blood pressure
• Oxygen levels
• Carbon dioxide levels

This ensures the highest level of safety and care.

🦷 What If Diseased Teeth Are Found?

If we identify painful or diseased teeth, we will:

• Assess severity using dental X-rays
• Discuss treatment options with you

In many cases, extractions are performed as a follow-up procedure after the scale and polish to ensure the best outcome and appropriate planning.

🐾 After Your Pet’s Dental Procedure

Most pets go home the same day once fully awake and comfortable.

Before discharge, we will:

• Perform a final health check
• Provide clear aftercare instructions
• Book a free follow-up check in 6 months

🏡 Ongoing Dental Care at Home

We’ll guide you on how to maintain your pet’s dental health, including:

• Tooth brushing techniques
• Dental diets
• Dental chews and treats
• Oral gels and additives

Preventative care at home can significantly reduce the need for future procedures.

📍 Local, Trusted Pet Dental Care

We proudly provide pet dental services in Raymond Terrace, Thornton, and surrounding areas, including:

• Medowie
• Salt Ash
• Fern Bay
• Seaham
• Port Stephens region
• East Maitland
• Beresfield
• Ashtonfield
• Woodberry

Our team is dedicated to providing gentle, high-quality dental care tailored to your pet.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How often does my pet need a dental clean?

This varies depending on your pet, but many require professional dental care every 1–2 years.

Is a dental clean safe for my pet?

Yes — we use modern anaesthesia, monitoring, and pain management to ensure your pet’s safety.

Why does my pet need an anaesthetic for a dental clean?

A full anaesthetic allows us to clean below the gumline, take X-rays, and perform a thorough examination safely and without stress.

How do I know if my pet has dental pain?

Signs can be subtle but include bad breath, difficulty eating, drooling, or behavioural changes.

Can I prevent dental disease at home?

Yes — regular brushing and dental products can significantly slow the progression of dental disease.

🐾 Book Your Pet’s Dental Check

If you’re concerned about your pet’s teeth or would like to book a dental check or procedure, our friendly team is here to help.

📞 Call us today or
💻 Book online with My Vets Irrawang & Thornton