Pet Oral Health Exams in Scottsdale, AZ – Dog and Cat Dental Care You Can Trust

What Is a Professional Pet Dental Exam?

A professional pet dental exam goes far beyond what you can accomplish at home with brushing or dental chews. While at-home care is essential, a veterinary dental exam allows us to thoroughly evaluate your pet’s oral health using tools, training, and diagnostics not available in a home setting.

At Kaibab Animal Hospital, we perform these exams under anesthesia to allow a complete oral inspection and cleaning. We chart each tooth, take dental radiographs to assess the health below the gumline, and identify early signs of periodontal disease or tooth decay. This comprehensive approach ensures no issues go undetected and sets the stage for preventive or corrective care.

Why Routine Oral Health Exams Are Vital for Your Pet’s Well-Being

Routine pet dental exams are about more than clean teeth—they’re about protecting your pet’s overall health. Dental disease can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, affecting the heart, kidneys, and liver, and reducing your pet’s quality of life.

At Kaibab Animal Hospital, we take a holistic approach to your pet’s dental health, integrating advanced diagnostics with complementary therapies to support your pet’s whole-body wellness. By detecting issues early, dental exams help us prevent serious illness and ensure your dog or cat stays healthy, happy, and active.

How Often Should You Schedule a Pet Dental Checkup?

Most pets should receive a dental exam at least once a year. However, certain breeds—particularly small dogs and older pets—may benefit from more frequent evaluations. Dogs and cats prone to tartar buildup, bad breath, or dental sensitivities should be monitored closely.

If you’re unsure how often your pet needs to see a dog or cat dentist, our team will assess their individual risk factors and help you create a tailored preventive care plan.

Signs It’s Time to Schedule a Dental Exam for Your Pet

There are several signs that your pet may need a dental evaluation. Watch for:

• Bad breath
• Drooling or difficulty eating
• Bleeding gums
• Loose or missing teeth
• Facial swelling

Because pets often hide pain, even subtle changes can indicate a dental problem. Routine oral health exams are key to catching these issues early, often before they become serious or expensive to treat.

Preparing Your Pet for a Dental Exam at Kaibab Animal Hospital

Getting ready for your pet’s dental exam is easy. If anesthesia is planned, we may ask you to withhold food for 8–12 hours prior to your visit. Bringing a favorite blanket or toy can help reduce stress and create a sense of comfort.

Our compassionate team is trained in low-stress handling, and we’re happy to answer any questions you have about the procedure or what to expect before, during, and after the visit.

What’s Included in a Pet Oral Health Exam?

A full pet oral health exam at Kaibab Animal Hospital typically includes:

• Pre-operative bloodwork to assess kidney and liver function prior to anesthesia 
• IV catheter placement for ease of administering medications as well as to allow us to provide IV fluids during the procedure to aid in anesthesia recovery. 
• Anti-Nausea medication prior to anesthesia
• A complete inspection of the mouth, teeth, gums, and tongue
• A periodontal evaluation to check for signs of inflammation or disease
• Digital dental X-rays to detect problems beneath the surface
• Scaling and polishing (if a cleaning is performed during the visit)
• A personalized treatment plan tailored to your pet’s specific needs

As part of our integrative approach, we may also recommend supportive therapies such as nutritional counseling, cold laser therapy done after cleaning to reduce inflammation in the mouth, or an ozone oral rinse to also reduce inflammation and aid in the removal of the biofilm.

Is Anesthesia Necessary for Pet Dental Exams?

Yes. Anesthesia is essential for a thorough and safe veterinary dental exam. It allows our team to fully evaluate each tooth and clean beneath the gumline without causing your pet stress or discomfort.

At Kaibab Animal Hospital, we perform comprehensive pre-anesthetic screenings to ensure your pet is a good candidate for anesthesia. We tailor our anesthetic protocols based on your pet’s age, health status, and medical history, using the safest medications and monitoring equipment available.

How Long Does a Dental Exam for Pets Take?

The length of your pet’s visit depends on the type of appointment.

• A consultation-only dental exam (no anesthesia) may take 20–30 minutes.
• A full dental exam with cleaning under anesthesia typically lasts 1 to 2 hours depending on severity of dental disease present, not including pre-op and post-op recovery time.

We’ll walk you through the timeline when you book your pet’s appointment and keep you informed throughout the process.

What Does a Pet Dental Exam Cost in Scottsdale?

The cost of a pet dental exam can vary depending on your pet’s needs. Factors such as the extent of dental disease, whether extractions are required, and the type of anesthesia used all play a role.

At Kaibab Animal Hospital, we believe in value-based care and transparent pricing. We’ll provide a detailed estimate after your pet’s initial exam and work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your budget while prioritizing your pet’s health.

Why Choose Kaibab Animal Hospital for Pet Dental Exams in Scottsdale?

Choosing the right dog or cat dentist near you means choosing someone who sees the whole picture. Pet dental care at Kaibab Animal Hospital is different because:

• We focus on whole-pet wellness, not just symptoms
• Our doctors bring expertise in both traditional and integrative veterinary dentistry
• We use advanced diagnostics to ensure no detail is missed
• Our team is known for its compassionate care and community trust
• We offer in-house emergency and urgent care when needed