What to Expect from a Veterinary Dental Exam: Inside a Specialist’s Step-by-Step Process

At North Bay Veterinary Dentistry in Petaluma, CA, we focus on one thing: expert-level dental and oral care for pets. As a referral-based specialty clinic, we work closely with your regular veterinarian to diagnose and treat complex conditions that go beyond routine cleanings—think oral surgery, dental imaging, chronic pain, or non-healing extraction sites.

If your pet has been referred for a dental evaluation, here’s what you can expect from our advanced process—and why each step matters in protecting your pet’s health and comfort.

Step 1: Health History and Pre-Exam Assessment

Every dental exam begins with a full review of your pet’s medical history and symptoms. We’ll ask about:

  • Past dental work or extractions
  • Any new behaviors (dropping food, chewing on one side, facial sensitivity)
  • Medical conditions that may affect anesthesia (like heart disease or diabetes)

We’ll also perform a head and jaw exam while your pet is awake, checking for:

  • Swelling, discharge, or tenderness
  • Facial symmetry or jaw abnormalities
  • Signs of oral discomfort or TMJ (jaw joint) issues

Step 2: Awake Oral Exam (Visual Check)

While your pet is still awake, we do a gentle visual exam of the mouth. We may spot:

  • Broken, discolored, or missing teeth
  • Bad breath or excessive drooling
  • Masses or abnormal growths
  • Bite alignment (especially in young or flat-faced breeds)

This gives us a basic overview—but a full dental exam requires anesthesia to truly assess what’s going on beneath the surface.

Learn more:
Developmental Dental Issues – Merck Vet Manual

Step 3: Safe, Monitored Anesthesia

Your pet’s safety is our top priority. Before we begin the procedure, we’ll run lab work (like blood tests) and listen to the heart and lungs. During the dental exam, we use full monitoring just like a human hospital:

  • ECG (heart)
  • Blood pressure
  • Oxygen levels
  • CO₂ levels
  • Active warming systems

Learn more about anesthesia for pets:
 AAHA Guidelines – Anesthesia and Dental Cleaning

Step 4: Comprehensive Dental Exam Under Anesthesia

Once your pet is fully asleep and comfortable, we perform a tooth-by-tooth exam using specialized tools. We check:

  • Gum pockets (which can trap bacteria)
  • Loose or fractured teeth
  • Root exposure or bone loss
  • Oral masses or fistulas (holes between the mouth and nose)

Each finding is carefully recorded in a dental chart—just like at your own dentist’s office.

Step 5: Dental X-rays or 3D Imaging

Over half of dental disease happens below the gumline. That’s why we always take full-mouth dental X-rays and/or 3D CT scans to find hidden issues like:

  • Infected tooth roots
  • Bone loss from periodontal disease
  • Broken or retained roots
  • Tooth resorption (common in cats)
  • Jaw fractures or cysts

Learn why X-rays are essential:
 Dental X-rays for Pets – Preventive Vet

Step 6: Professional Cleaning and Gum Care

Once the diagnostic work is done, we professionally clean every surface of your pet’s teeth:

  • Ultrasonic scaling to remove tartar
  • Deep gum (subgingival) cleaning to prevent infection
  • Polishing to smooth enamel and reduce future buildup
  • Fluoride or sealant application to protect tooth surfaces

All scaling is done under bright lights and magnification for precision.

Step 7: Treatment and Surgical Planning

Based on what we find, we may recommend additional treatment. Common procedures include:

Tooth Extractions

Teeth may need to be removed if they’re:

  • Severely loose or infected
  • Broken with exposed nerves
  • Causing crowding or pain

Extractions are performed using surgical techniques and dissolvable sutures, ensuring gentle, effective removal and comfortable healing.

Learn more:
Treating Fractured Teeth – Today’s Veterinary Practice

Advanced Procedures

In certain cases, your pet may benefit from additional specialty care such as:

We collaborate closely with your veterinarian to ensure your pet gets the best possible outcome.

Step 8: Recovery and At-Home Care

After the procedure, your pet is monitored until they’re safely awake and stable. You’ll receive detailed instructions that may include:

  • Pain medications or antibiotics
  • Soft food for 10–14 days
  • Activity restriction
  • Gentle home dental care (like brushing or approved chews)

We’ll also talk with you about ongoing dental hygiene to reduce the need for future surgeries or extractions.

Helpful reading:
 2019 AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Pet Owners

Common Conditions We Diagnose

We see pets referred for a wide range of dental issues, including:

• Advanced Periodontal Disease

Bone loss, broken and  loose teeth, and severe halitosis—often not visible on routine exam.

• Misaligned Bites (Malocclusions)

Causing pain, palate injury, or jaw tension—especially in flat-faced or small breeds.

What to Know About Malocclusion – dvm360

• Tooth Resorption

Especially in cats—painful, progressive, and only visible on X-rays.

• Retained Baby Teeth

Common in toy breeds, leading to overcrowding and infection.

The Trouble with Toy Teeth – AKC

• Oral Tumors

Require early detection, biopsy, and often surgical removal.

Your Pet Deserves Comfortable, Confident Dental Care

Advanced dental disease isn’t just a cosmetic issue—it’s painful, progressive, and can affect your pet’s heart, kidneys, and overall health. At North Bay Veterinary Dentistry, we provide compassionate, expert care that restores comfort and function—while working closely with your primary vet every step of the way.

Have a question or need a second opinion?
Get in touch with us here—we’re here to help.