Periodontal disease hides under the gumline where bacteria damage the tissues that hold teeth in place. Effective treatment means cleaning and treating those areas, not just the visible tooth surface. Anesthesia is recommended because it: • Allows gentle, thorough cleaning under the gums and between teeth • Makes dental x-rays possible to find hidden problems • Provides pain control and keeps pets from stress and fear • Protects the airway from water and debris during the procedure • Lets the veterinarian work precisely, safely, and efficiently

No, non-anesthetic dental cleanings only address the visible portion of the teeth and cannot clean below the gumline where disease actually starts. They can also be stressful for pets and give a false sense of security while disease progresses unseen. True dental disease occurs below the gum line, which can only be properly cleaned and treated under anesthesia.

Common signs include bad breath, yellow or brown tartar buildup, red or swollen gums, difficulty eating, pawing at the face, loose or missing teeth, and excessive drooling. However, many pets hide dental pain well, so regular professional cleanings are important even if your pet seems fine.

Daily brushing with pet-safe toothpaste is ideal, but even 2-3 times per week helps. Dental chews, water additives, and special dental diets can also help. However, home care cannot replace professional cleanings, as only anesthesia allows us to clean below the gumline where disease starts.

While some tooth loss can occur with age, it's not inevitable. Most tooth loss is due to preventable dental disease. With proper professional dental care and home maintenance, many pets can keep most of their teeth throughout their lives.

The primary cause is periodontal disease - infection and inflammation of the gums and supporting structures. This starts with plaque buildup that hardens into tartar, leading to gum recession, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss. Professional cleanings prevent this progression.

Absolutely! We're partners in your pet's health and share all records. We work alongside your regular veterinarian, not against them. We handle the specialized dental care while they continue to provide your pet's general health needs.

We perform pre-procedure bloodwork and health assessments to ensure your pet is a good candidate for anesthesia. For pets with health conditions, we work closely with your regular vet to develop a safe treatment plan that considers their overall health status.

Procedure time depends on your pet’s health and the treatment needed. Ask the team about the expected procedure, recovery, and pickup timing for your pet.

Yes. Our primary financing partner is Cherry — apply at pay.withcherry.com/chomp-pet-dental (no hard credit check). We also work with other approved financing partners when needed. Cost should not be a barrier to your pet’s health.

Yes. For proactive pet parents who want to prevent dental disease, save $150 on your pet’s second dental cleaning when you prepay and schedule it within 12 months of the first.

We publish totally transparent, itemized pricing: doctor exam complimentary when you proceed with CHOMP-recommended dental care ($50 if you do not proceed), bloodwork $150 (CBC/chemistry 10 panel), dental cleaning $495 for cats and $595 for dogs (includes anesthesia/sedation, dental X-rays, scaling/charting/polishing), extractions $100–$200 by tooth type, Periovive $75, post-op medications $15–$30 if required. For proactive pet parents, save $150 on the second dental cleaning when you prepay and schedule it within 12 months of the first.