Dental Care in Arlington, TX

Bad breath is not normal. It is usually a sign of periodontal disease, a bacterial infection that destroys the bone and tissue holding teeth in place. Left alone, that infection can affect the heart, liver and kidneys. Many owners tell us their pet acted years younger after a dental cleaning.

At Park Plaza Animal Clinic, our doctors check your pet’s teeth at every wellness exam and perform professional cleanings at 1811 E Park Row Dr, Suite A, Arlington, TX 76010.

Small and Short-Nosed Breeds Need Extra Attention

Bulldogs, Frenchies, Pugs and other short-nosed breeds have the same number of teeth as other dogs packed into a much shorter jaw. Crowded, rotated teeth trap food and plaque. Small breeds like Chihuahuas often keep baby teeth that never fall out, which crowds the adult teeth. These pets usually need dental cleanings earlier and more often.

What a Dental Cleaning Includes

• Pre-anesthetic exam and bloodwork: We check your pet’s health and organ function before anesthesia.
• General anesthesia with monitoring: A thorough cleaning below the gumline is only possible when a pet is fully asleep and still.
• Full oral exam and charting: Every tooth is checked for gum pockets, loose or broken teeth and other problems.
• Scaling above and below the gumline: Removing plaque and tartar where periodontal disease actually lives.
• Polishing: Smooths the tooth surface so plaque has a harder time sticking.
• Extractions when needed: Teeth that cannot be saved are removed with pain control. Pets eat comfortably after extractions, often better than before.
• Recovery and home care plan: Pain medication when needed, plus tips for brushing, dental chews and diets.

Signs Your Pet Needs a Dental Exam

• Bad breath
• Yellow or brown tartar along the gumline
• Red, swollen or bleeding gums
• Dropping food or chewing on one side
• Pawing at the mouth or rubbing the face
• Drooling, sometimes with blood
• Loose, broken or missing teeth
• Swelling below an eye, which can mean a tooth root abscess
• Grumpiness or hiding, which is often how pain looks in pets

Why Choose Park Plaza for Dental Care

• Below-the-Gumline Cleaning: We treat the disease, not just the visible tartar.
• In-House Bloodwork: Organ function checked before anesthesia.
• Breed Experience: Crowded mouths of bulldogs and frenchies are familiar territory. Dental health is important for dogs of all breeds and sizes, as well as cats.
• Honest Advice: We tell you what your pet’s mouth needs, including when it can wait.