Modern Veterinary Dentists

Dental disease is one of the most common medical conditions affecting dogs and cats, with 80% of pets showing signs by three years of age. Because pets often hide dental pain, problems can go unnoticed until they become more serious. Early dental care helps prevent infection, tooth loss, and other health complications, supporting your pet’s comfort and overall wellbeing.

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Why Dental Care Is Essential for Pets

Dental disease affects many dogs and cats and often progresses without obvious signs until significant damage has occurred. Regular dental assessments, preventative care, and professional treatment can help reduce pain, prevent infection, improve comfort, and support your pet’s overall health throughout every stage of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about dental cleanings, dental disease, extractions, and oral health care for pets.

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How often should my pet have a professional dental assessment?
We recommend a professional dental assessment every 6 to 12 months, depending on your pet's age, breed and individual risk factors. During each health check, your veterinarian will examine your pet's teeth and gums for early signs of plaque, tartar, gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Even if you're a champion tooth brusher (and your pet actually lets you!), most dogs and cats will still need their first professional dental clean by around three years of age. Think of it like taking your car in for a service—you can wash and polish it every weekend, but eventually it still needs a mechanic.
Regular dental assessments help us catch problems early, keeping your pet's mouth healthy, their breath fresher, and ensuring those kisses are remembered for the right reasons!

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What are the signs of dental disease in pets?
Bad breath, red or bleeding gums, visible tartar, difficulty eating, drooling, pawing at the mouth, or changes in behaviour may indicate dental disease. Many pets continue eating despite significant discomfort, which is why routine dental assessments are important for early detection and treatment.
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Why are dental radiographs important during dental procedures?
Dental X-rays are an essential part of every Stage 1 dental procedure because around 60% of each tooth lies below the gumline, where problems can't be seen with the naked eye. They allow our veterinarians to detect hidden disease and make the most accurate treatment recommendations for your pet. At Albury Animal Hospital, we include full-mouth dental X-rays at no additional cost because we believe every pet deserves the same high standard of care we'd expect for ourselves—and the best decisions start with the best information.
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Will my pet need a tooth extraction?
Not every dental procedure requires extractions—and that's exactly why we don't guess.
At Albury Animal Hospital, all Stage 1 Dental Procedures are diagnostic only. This includes a professional scale and polish, along with comprehensive dental X-rays to assess the health of every tooth, including the areas hidden beneath the gumline. No extractions are performed during Stage 1.

Once we've completed this thorough assessment, we'll discuss our findings with you and prepare a personalised treatment plan. If any teeth need to be removed due to periodontal disease, fractures, infection or other dental problems, your pet will be booked for a Stage 2 Dental Procedure, usually within 2–4 weeks.
This two-stage approach allows us to accurately diagnose your pet's dental disease, plan any extractions carefully, and ensure the appropriate surgical time and equipment are available to provide the highest standard of care.

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What is staged dentistry?
Staged dentistry is Albury Animal Hospital's structured approach to dental care, allowing treatment plans to be tailored to each individual patient. By combining comprehensive assessment, professional cleaning, dental radiography, and clearly planned treatment stages, we can provide thorough dental care while supporting patient comfort and safety.
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What to Expect During Your Pet’s Dental Procedure

Stage 1 Dentistry – Teeth cleaning and assessment:
Your pet’s comprehensive dental assessment and diagnostic procedure.

Under a general anaesthetic, we perform a professional scale and polish, complete full-mouth dental X-rays, and thoroughly examine every tooth above and below the gumline. This allows us to accurately diagnose dental disease and determine whether any additional treatment is required. No extractions are performed during Stage 1, giving you a clear understanding of your pet’s dental health before any further treatment is recommended.
If dental disease requiring treatment is identified, your pet will return for Stage 2 Dentistry, usually within 2–4 weeks. This procedure is dedicated to any necessary tooth extractions or advanced dental treatment, allowing our team to carefully plan the procedure, allocate the appropriate surgical time, and provide the safest, highest standard of care for your pet.

Advanced Dentistry for Healthier Smiles

Comprehensive oral care supported by modern diagnostic technology
Our veterinary dentistry services combine preventative care, advanced diagnostics, and personalised treatment planning to help protect your pet’s oral health. By identifying problems early and addressing dental disease proactively, we help improve comfort, quality of life, and long-term wellbeing.
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Dental Radiographs

Digital dental imaging helps detect hidden disease below the gumline and supports more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

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Staged Dentistry

Our structured treatment approach provides tailored dental care while prioritising patient comfort, safety, and long-term oral health outcomes.

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Veterinary Services