Golden retriever with toothbrush indoors
Southampton

Pet Dentistry in
Boston, MA

Professional dental care is essential for your pet’s health, comfort, and longevity.

Our routine dentals start at $599

Why Pet Dental Care Matters

A vet brushes a German Shepherd's teeth
Our Pet Dental Cleaning Process:

Safe, Complete, and Thorough

We believe in setting the highest standard of care, which is why all of our cat and dog teeth cleanings are performed under general anesthesia. This allows us to conduct a full oral evaluation and treatment with precision and without stress or pain to your pet. Here’s what you can expect during a dental procedure at Boston Animal Hospital:

Ten-Step Veterinary Dental Prophy

  1.  Pre-Screening Tests: Physical exam to assess overall health.
  2.  Lab Work: Blood tests to ensure your pet is a safe candidate for anesthesia.
  3.  Pre-Medication: Medications for pain relief, sedation, and anti-nausea.
  4.  IV & Fluid Therapy: IV catheter placement and fluids throughout the procedure.
  5.  Anesthesia Induction: IV-administered medications for safe sedation.
  6.  Airway Protection: Breathing tube placement for oxygen and gas anesthesia.
  7.  Continuous Monitoring: Vitals like heart rate, oxygen level, and blood pressure are monitored at all times.
  8.  Scaling & Polishing: Ultrasonic scaler removes plaque and tartar above and below the gumline. Polishing and fluoride treatment follow.
  9.  Dental X-Rays (Radiographs): High-quality images reveal what’s happening below the surface.
  10.  Comprehensive Oral Exam: Each tooth is evaluated for hidden disease, and any necessary extractions or periodontal treatments are performed.

After the procedure, your pet is monitored during recovery and discharged once they’re awake, stable, and able to walk. Most pets recover within 24 hours and return to normal routines quickly.

The Truth About

Anesthesia-Free Dental Cleanings

There’s a growing trend toward anesthesia-free dental cleanings (AFDs)—but don’t be fooled by the marketing.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, anesthesia-free dentals are considered below the standard of care. Without anesthesia, veterinarians cannot safely or thoroughly clean beneath the gumline or perform essential diagnostics like dental X-rays. AFDs can give a false sense of security while allowing serious disease to progress undetected.

At Boston Animal Hospital, we follow best practices in pet dentistry—prioritizing your pet’s health, comfort, and long-term safety.

An orange cat holds a toothbrush with its paws
An older golden retriever with a red bow pants happily
Why Early Detection of

Dental Disease Is So Important

Dental disease is the most common health issue affecting pets today, and most pets won’t show obvious symptoms until the disease is advanced. That’s why preventive dental exams are so critical. When caught early, we can often avoid tooth loss, infection, and the need for oral surgery.

Signs of dental disease may include:

  • Bad breath
  • Red or swollen gums
  • Loose or broken teeth
  • Drooling or pawing at the mouth
  • Difficulty chewing or changes in eating habits

Routine dental cleanings and home care can significantly extend your pet’s lifespan and reduce discomfort.

Supporting At-

Home Dental Health

While professional cleanings are essential, daily and weekly at-home care plays an important role. We recommend:

  • Brushing your pet’s teeth regularly
  • Using VOHC-approved dental products (visit VOHC.org for the list)
  • Offering dental chews and toys designed to reduce plaque
  • Scheduling annual dental evaluations as part of your pet’s wellness exam

Together, we can create a dental care plan that fits your pet’s lifestyle and keeps their smile healthy year-round.

A woman holds a white Pomeranian with a blue bow
A woman takes a selfie with a black-and-white dog on a couch
Pet Oral Surgery &

Advanced Dental Care

If your pet requires more than a routine cleaning, our experienced team provides pet oral surgery and advanced treatments, including:

  • Tooth extractions
  • Periodontal therapy
  • Treatment for fractured teeth or oral infections
  • Pain management and aftercare support

We’ll walk you through every step of your pet’s care, from diagnostics and treatment to at-home recovery.