Pet Dental Care in Sewell, NJ

At Bethel Mill Animal Hospital, we provide veterinary dentistry and oral surgery for dogs and cats. We welcome pets from Sewell, Mantua, Glassboro, and nearby communities for thoughtful, individualized oral care.

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What Is Pet Dental Care?

Pet dental care covers the cleaning, evaluation, and treatment of your pet’s teeth and gums. It ranges from routine dental cleanings to more involved oral surgery and extractions. Much of this care happens below the gumline, where problems often hide.

Dental disease is the most common health problem in dogs and cats. Many pets show few outward signs until the disease becomes advanced. Our veterinary team evaluates each mouth individually and recommends care based on what your pet needs.

What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning

Dental cleanings for dogs and cats follow a careful, step-by-step process. Because pets cannot hold still for thorough cleaning and imaging, dental procedures are performed under general anesthesia. This allows us to clean below the gumline and examine the mouth comfortably and safely.

Closeup of a gray tabby cat with blue eyes licking its nose

A routine cleaning includes several steps:

Careful charting of each tooth and the surrounding tissue
Scaling to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gumline
Intraoral radiographs to assess tooth roots and bone

Polishing to smooth the tooth surface
A fluoride treatment to help strengthen and protect the teeth

Your pet receives the same careful monitoring we use for surgery, with the addition of an external warm-air heating unit. This helps maintain body temperature during the procedure. We also provide pain relief as needed. You can read more about our safety and monitoring approach on our anesthesia page.

When we find damaged or diseased teeth, we may recommend extractions or other oral surgery. We will explain our findings and discuss the options before moving forward.

Why Dental Health Matters for Dogs and Cats

Oral health affects far more than your pet’s mouth. Untreated dental disease can cause pain, infection, and tooth loss, and it may affect overall health over time.

Routine cleanings help remove plaque and tartar that brushing alone cannot reach.
Intraoral radiographs reveal problems hidden below the gumline.
Early care can reduce the need for extensive oral surgery later.

Managing dental disease supports comfort while eating and chewing.
In both pets and people, good oral health has been linked to better overall health.

When dental disease goes untreated, pets can experience ongoing discomfort and a higher risk of infection. Regular care helps catch these concerns early, when they are easier to manage.

Trained in Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery

At Bethel Mill Animal Hospital, our doctors and technicians have received special training in dental therapy and oral surgery. That training shapes the careful, thorough care we provide at every visit.

We are an AAHA-accredited hospital and a Cat Friendly Practice, and our Fear Free certified team members use gentle handling to ease stress when possible. Our services range from routine cleanings with intraoral radiographs to extensive extractions and oral surgery. We pair each procedure with attentive monitoring and individualized treatment planning.

Caring for Your Pet’s Teeth at Home

Home care is one of the best ways to protect your pet’s dental health between visits. A steady routine helps slow the buildup of plaque and tartar.

We are happy to teach you how to brush your pet’s teeth. We also offer products you can add to food or water to help reduce tartar. Consistent home care can reduce the need for (and expense of) extensive oral surgery down the road. It works alongside routine pet wellness exams, where we check your pet’s mouth and track any changes.

Pet Dental Care FAQs

How often does my pet need a dental cleaning?

It varies by pet. Many dogs and cats benefit from a professional cleaning about once a year, though some need them more often. We recommend a schedule based on your pet’s mouth and history.

Why does my pet need anesthesia for a cleaning?

Anesthesia lets us clean below the gumline, take radiographs, and examine the mouth thoroughly. It keeps your pet still, comfortable, and free of stress during the procedure.

What are the signs of dental disease?

Watch for bad breath, red or bleeding gums, discolored teeth, drooling, or trouble eating. Some pets show few signs, which is why regular exams matter.

Is anesthesia safe for dental procedures?

Modern anesthesia is generally very safe. We use pre-procedure screening and continuous monitoring, and our anesthesia page explains our safety measures in more detail.

Can I brush my pet's teeth at home?

Yes, and it helps. We can show you how to brush and suggest products for food or water that reduce tartar between professional cleanings.

Healthy Mouths, Healthier Pets

Dental care is one of the most meaningful ways to protect your pet’s comfort and long-term health. At Bethel Mill Animal Hospital, our trained doctors and technicians provide cleanings, radiographs, and oral surgery for dogs and cats with careful, individualized attention. Pet owners across the greater Sewell area and Gloucester County trust us to keep their companions’ smiles healthy. With professional care and a simple home routine, you can help your pet stay comfortable for years to come.