At Paws Bay Animal Hospital, we provide advanced veterinary dental care for dogs and cats in the Tampa and surrounding areas.

Our dental procedures are performed under general anesthesia with continuous anesthetic monitoring, allowing us to deliver safe, thorough, and medically sound dental treatment—not just cosmetic cleaning.

Anesthesia enables us to take full-mouth digital dental radiographs (X-rays), which are essential for evaluating each tooth from the visible crown to the root beneath the gumline. This diagnostic step is a critical standard of care in modern veterinary dentistry.

Why Dental X-Rays Are Essential for Pets

More than 60% of dental disease in pets occurs below the gumline, where it cannot be seen during a routine oral exam. Without dental radiographs, painful and dangerous conditions may go undiagnosed, including:

• Periodontal disease

• Tooth root abscesses

• Bone loss of the jaw

• Deep bacterial infections

• Fractured or resorbing teeth

Simply scaling the visible portion of the teeth without X-rays can leave hidden disease untreated, allowing infection to continue spreading to the gums, jawbone, and even vital organs such as the heart and kidneys.

Our approach focuses on complete oral health, not surface-level cleaning.

Safe Anesthesia & Monitoring You Can Trust

Your pet’s safety is our top priority. All dental procedures at Paws Bay Animal Hospital are overseen by an experienced veterinary team and include:

• Pre-anesthetic evaluation

• Individualized anesthetic plans

• Continuous monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and temperature

• Careful pain management before, during, and after the procedure

This comprehensive protocol aligns with current AAHA and AVMA dental care guidelines and reflects our commitment to evidence-based veterinary medicine.

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At-Home Dental Care

Professional dental cleanings are only one part of maintaining your pet’s oral health. Consistent at-home dental care helps reduce plaque buildup, slow disease progression, and extend the benefits of professional treatment.

Our veterinary team provides personalized home dental care guidance, including:

• Toothbrushing techniques

• Veterinary-approved dental chews and diets

• Oral rinses and dental products tailored to your pet

• Look for the VOHC seal of approval for effective dental products: 
  • https://vohc.org/accepted-products/

We partner with pet owners to create realistic, effective routines that fit your lifestyle and your pet’s needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Dental Care

Do pets really need dental cleanings under anesthesia?

Yes. General anesthesia is necessary to properly clean beneath the gumline, take dental X-rays, and fully assess each tooth. Awake or “non-anesthetic” cleanings do not allow for complete evaluation and can miss serious disease.

How often should my dog or cat have a dental cleaning?

Most pets benefit from annual dental evaluations, but frequency depends on breed, age, and oral health. Smaller breeds and pets with existing dental disease may need more frequent care.

What are signs my pet may need a dental exam?

Common signs include:

• Bad breath

• Red or bleeding gums

• Difficulty eating or dropping food

• Pawing at the mouth

• Loose or broken teeth

Many pets hide dental pain, which is why routine exams are so important.