10 Jul The Difference Between a Routine Vet Cleaning and a Board-Certified Veterinary Dentist® Visit
Many pet owners know that dental health is an important part of keeping their dogs and cats healthy, but what’s often less clear is the difference between a routine dental cleaning at your regular veterinarian’s office and a visit to a board-certified veterinary dentist®. At Animal Dental Specialists, we hear this question often, and it’s an important one. Understanding what each type of visit offers can help you make the best choices for your pet’s oral health and overall well-being.
What is a Routine Veterinary Dental Cleaning?
A routine veterinary dental cleaning, also called a prophylactic cleaning, is typically performed by your pet’s general practice veterinarian. It’s an important part of preventive care and helps manage plaque and tartar buildup before it leads to more serious problems.
During this cleaning, your pet is placed under general anesthesia to ensure a thorough and safe procedure. The veterinary team scales and polishes your pet’s teeth, removing visible tartar both above and below the gumline. This helps freshen your pet’s breath and can slow down the progression of periodontal disease. Some clinics are equipped with dental radiography, which is an essential component of proper oral evaluation.
These cleanings are essential for most pets, especially those prone to plaque buildup. They help keep the mouth healthier and allow your veterinarian to spot visible issues early.
What Makes a Visit to a Board-Certified Veterinary Dentist® Different?
A board-certified veterinary dentist® is a veterinarian who has undergone extensive specialized training in veterinary dentistry and oral surgery. After veterinary school, they complete a multi-year residency program and pass challenging exams given by the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC). This advanced training allows them to diagnose and treat complex dental and oral problems that go beyond routine care.
At Animal Dental Specialists, a visit typically starts with a detailed consultation where we discuss your pet’s medical history and any symptoms you’ve noticed, like bad breath, drooling, difficulty eating, or pawing at the mouth. Once your pet is under anesthesia, we perform a comprehensive oral examination and advanced imaging. This includes full-mouth dental radiographs and cone beam CT scans, which provide a detailed three-dimensional view of your pet’s teeth, roots, and jaw structures.
These tools help us detect hidden issues such as tooth root abscesses, impacted teeth, jawbone loss, and oral tumors — problems that can’t always be seen with the naked eye or during a routine cleaning.
Advanced Treatments and Procedures
Board-certified veterinary dentists® don’t just identify problems; they’re also trained to treat them with specialized procedures. Some examples of treatments we commonly provide at Animal Dental Specialists include:
- Complex surgical extractions
- Treatment for fractured teeth, including root canal therapy to save important teeth
- Management of severe periodontal disease, such as guided tissue regeneration
- Oral surgery to remove tumors or repair jaw fractures
- Corrective procedures for malocclusions (misaligned bites)
- Specialized care for conditions like tooth resorption, which often affects cats
These procedures require specialized equipment, training, and experience to perform safely and effectively. The goal is not only to relieve pain but to protect your pet’s overall health for the long term.
When Should You Consider a Referral to a Board-Certified Veterinary Dentist®?
Your regular veterinarian may recommend a referral to a board-certified veterinary dentist® if they discover:
- Fractured or worn teeth exposing the pulp cavity
- Severe or advanced periodontal disease
- Oral tumors, growths, or unexplained swellings
- Malocclusions that affect eating or cause trauma to soft tissues
- Tooth resorption or retained baby teeth
- Complicated extractions near important nerves or structures
- Chronic oral pain, bleeding, or drainage that doesn’t resolve
Even if your pet seems to be eating normally, they could be masking significant pain. Pets often adapt to dental discomfort, so regular assessments and advanced diagnostics are key.
Why This Distinction Matters
Oral disease isn’t just about the teeth. Bacteria from dental infections can enter the bloodstream and affect organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys. A healthy mouth helps your pet feel better, eat comfortably, and avoid systemic health issues.
Routine veterinary dental cleanings help keep mild dental disease under control and catch obvious problems early. When issues are more complicated, a board-certified veterinary dentist® can provide advanced care that protects your pet’s health, reduces pain, and preserves important teeth when possible.
Working Together for Your Pet’s Health
At Animal Dental Specialists, we believe in a team approach. Your primary care veterinarian is your pet’s first line of defense against dental disease, and specialty care complements their work by addressing complex cases. Together, we help your pet live a healthier, happier life.
If you have questions about your pet’s dental health or if your veterinarian has recommended a referral, we’re here to help. Contact Animal Dental Specialists today to learn more about how a board-certified veterinary dentist® can make a difference for your pet.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (07/10/2025) Photo by Laula Co on Unsplash