Overpeck Creek Animal Hospital is recognized as one of the leading veterinary dental practices in Bergen County and Northern New Jersey. We provide comprehensive pet dental care—from routine cleanings and exams to advanced oral surgery and complex extractions—supported by state-of-the-art technology, including a 20-second dental CT scanner unmatched by other clinics in the region.

Why Dental Health Is Essential to Your Pet’s Overall Health

By age three, approximately 70% of dogs and cats show signs of periodontal disease. Dental disease is more than just bad breath—bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and contribute to serious, potentially life-threatening infections affecting the heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver. Regular professional dental care is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your pet’s overall health.

Dental Examinations & Oral Health Checks

Every wellness visit at Overpeck Creek Animal Hospital includes a thorough visual dental examination. We assess the gums, teeth, bite alignment, and oral tissues for signs of plaque, tartar, gingivitis, periodontal disease, tooth resorption, and oral masses. If a professional dental cleaning is recommended, we will review the procedure, sedation plan, and expected outcomes with you before scheduling.

Professional Dental Cleaning Under Anesthesia & Oral Surgery

Professional dental cleanings for pets must be performed under anesthesia—and for good reason. Most dental disease develops below the gum line, where only a thorough subgingival cleaning can effectively reach. Without anesthesia, this area cannot be properly examined or treated.

Our team follows strict anesthetic safety protocols, including pre-anesthetic blood work, IV fluid support, continuous monitoring of vital signs, and carefully tailored medication dosing to ensure your pet’s safety throughout the procedure.

20-Second Dental CT Scan — A Game Changer in Pet Dental Care

We are one of the few veterinary practices in the region to offer a dental CT scanner. In just 20 seconds, our CT provides a complete, high-resolution 3D image of every tooth—including the roots and surrounding bone—at a cost comparable to traditional dental X-rays. The benefits are substantial:
  • 15–20 minutes less anesthesia compared to full-mouth traditional X-rays, improving overall procedural safety
  • 3D imaging that reveals root fractures, bone loss, and hidden disease not visible on standard 2D X-rays
  • Same cost as standard dental radiographs
  • Improved surgical planning for extractions and oral surgery

Oral Surgery & Tooth Extractions

Tooth extraction (exodontia) is the most commonly performed oral surgery in veterinary medicine, with periodontal disease being the leading cause. While some extractions are straightforward, others can be highly complex—especially in small dogs and cats, where tooth roots are proportionally large and surrounding bone is more delicate. We also serve as a referral destination for challenging extractions that other practices may choose not to perform.

Risks associated with dental extractions—including tooth fracture, retained roots, excessive bleeding, and jaw fracture—are significantly reduced through CT-guided planning and the expertise of our surgical team. Dental imaging is performed before, during, and after each procedure to ensure complete removal and the highest level of patient safety.

At-Home Dental Care & Prevention

Professional cleanings are most effective when supported by consistent at-home care. We recommend:
  • Brushing 2–3 times per week using pet-safe toothpaste (never human toothpaste, as fluoride is toxic to pets)
  • Dental chews and toys approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)
  • Dental rinses or water additives for pets who are resistant to brushing
  • Routine at-home checks of your pet’s gums and teeth for early signs of disease
Contact us immediately if you notice any of the following: blood-tinged drooling, difficulty eating, swollen or red gums, head tilting while chewing, reluctance to eat hard food, or a noticeable change in mouth odor.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Call 201-292-4949 or use our online scheduler.
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New patients and emergency appointments always welcome at Overpeck Creek Animal Hospital.
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201-292-4949