Tenafly Veterinary Center is recognized as one of the leading veterinary dental practices in Bergen County and North New Jersey. We offer comprehensive pet dental care — from routine cleanings and examinations to complex oral surgery and advanced extractions — supported by cutting-edge technology including a 20-second dental CT scanner that no competitor in the region can match.

Why Dental Health is Critical to Your Pet's Overall Health

By age three, 70% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of periodontal disease. Dental disease is not just bad breath — bacteria in the mouth can travel through the bloodstream and cause serious, life-threatening infections in the heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver. Regular professional dental care is one of the most impactful health decisions you can make for your pet.

Dental Examinations

Every wellness visit at Tenafly Veterinary Center includes a visual dental examination. We evaluate the gums, teeth, bite alignment, and oral tissue for signs of plaque, tartar, gingivitis, periodontal disease, tooth resorption, and oral masses. If a professional cleaning is needed, we will discuss the procedure, sedation protocol, and expected outcomes before scheduling.

Professional Dental Cleaning Under Anesthesia

Professional dental cleanings for pets are legally required to be performed under anesthesia — and for good reason. Most dental disease occurs below the gum line, where only a thorough subgingival cleaning can reach. Without anesthesia, this critical area cannot be properly examined or treated. Our team follows rigorous anesthetic safety protocols, including pre-anesthetic blood work, IV fluid support, continuous vital monitoring, and careful drug dosing.

20-second Dental CT Scan — a Game-changer for Pet Dental Care

We are one of the very few veterinary practices in the region to offer a dental CT scanner. In 20 seconds, our CT delivers a complete, high-resolution 3D image of every tooth — including roots and surrounding bone — at the same cost as traditional dental X-rays. The advantages are significant:
  • 15–20 minutes less anesthesia compared to full-mouth traditional X-rays — a major safety benefit
  • 3D imaging reveals root fractures, bone loss, and hidden disease invisible to 2D X-rays
  • Same price as standard dental radiographs
  • Better surgical planning for extractions and oral surgery

Oral Surgery and Extractions

Tooth extraction (exodontia) is the most commonly performed oral surgery in veterinary practice. Periodontal disease is the leading cause. Some extractions are straightforward; others are highly complex — particularly in small dogs and cats, where roots are proportionally larger and bone is more fragile. We are a referral destination for complicated extractions that other practices prefer not to attempt.

Risks associated with dental extractions — including tooth fracture, root retention, excessive bleeding, and jaw fracture — are significantly reduced with our CT-guided planning and experienced surgical team. Dental radiographs are taken before, during, and after every extraction to confirm complete removal and patient safety.

At-Home Dental Care

Professional cleanings are most effective when supported by consistent at-home care. We recommend:
  • Brushing 2–3 times per week with pet-specific toothpaste (never human toothpaste — fluoride is toxic to pets)
  • Dental chews and toys approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)
  • Dental rinses or water additives for pets resistant to brushing
  • Regular at-home inspections of gums and teeth
Contact us immediately if you notice: blood-tinged drooling, difficulty eating, gum swelling or redness, head tilting while chewing, reluctance to eat hard food, or changes in mouth odor.

Frequently Asked Questions

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